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ZOE Science & Nutrition

Signs you may have high-functioning depression – and 5 ways to fix it | Dr. Judith Joseph and Dr. Sarah Berry

May 1, 2025
Dr. Judith Joseph, a board-certified psychiatrist and leading researcher on high-functioning depression, joins Professor Sarah Berry to delve into the hidden struggles of this condition. They discuss how success and busyness can mask depression, leading to undiagnosed cases. Dr. Joseph highlights key symptoms like anhedonia and offers a self-test to identify high-functioning depression. Additionally, Sarah reveals how diet and gut health play crucial roles in managing symptoms, providing actionable strategies for healing through smarter food choices.
48:16

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • High-functioning depression often goes unnoticed as individuals hide their symptoms behind busy lifestyles, leading to misdiagnosis and lack of support.
  • Implementing self-care practices, mindfulness, and proper nutrition can significantly aid in addressing and healing high-functioning depression symptoms.

Deep dives

Understanding High-Functioning Depression

High-functioning depression is characterized by individuals who seem to manage their responsibilities well while experiencing internal unhappiness. This form of depression may remain unrecognized due to societal expectations that equate success with happiness, leading to the misconception that busy individuals cannot be depressed. Symptoms may include feelings of numbness and an inability to derive joy from activities that were once enjoyable. The prevailing stigma surrounding mental health leads many to overlook crucial indicators like anhedonia, which is the lack of pleasure, as a significant sign of depression.

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