Hidden Signs Of High-Functioning Depression & How To Reclaim Your Joy In Life | Dr. Judith Joseph

Jul 28, 2025

Join Dr. Judith Joseph, a Board Certified Psychiatrist and expert in high-functioning depression, as she reveals why many successful individuals feel unfulfilled. She discusses the hidden crisis of high-functioning depression, the difference between burnout and depression, and the crucial need to process childhood trauma. Dr. Joseph shares practical steps for reclaiming joy, emphasizing the importance of self-validation and community support. Discover how neuroplasticity can inspire hope and innovative treatments that may change lives.

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ADVICE

Reclaim Joy in Small Moments

Reclaim joy by appreciating small present moments daily, like enjoying a walk or a sunset.
Don't delay happiness awaiting future events; practice finding joy now.

INSIGHT

Joy is Innate & Misunderstood

Happiness is wrongly tied to external events; even after success, people often remain unhappy.
Joy is innate to humans and essential for resilience through difficult challenges.

ADVICE

Use Biopsychosocial Model for Joy

Use the biopsychosocial model to identify how biological, psychological, and social factors affect your happiness.
Increase points of joy in each area based on your unique needs and situation.

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Dr. Judith Joseph is a Board Certified Psychiatrist, professor of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at NYU Langone Medical Center. She has conducted over 100 clinical research studies in pediatric, adult, geriatric and women’s mental health as the Principal Investigator of her research lab, Manhattan Behavioral Medicine. Dr. Joseph is also a leading voice in the fields of high-functioning depression and the science of happiness.

Today on the show we discuss: why so many successful people still feel empty inside, why you can’t “out achieve” your childhood trauma, the difference between burnout and depression, the real science of happiness and why chasing doesn’t work, the hidden mental health crisis of high functioning depression, steps you can take to reclaim joy and happiness in your life and much more.

⚠ WELLNESS DISCLAIMER ⚠

Please be advised; the topics related to health and mental health in my content are for informational, discussion, and entertainment purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your health or mental health professional or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding your current condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have heard from your favorite creator, on social media, or shared within content you’ve consumed.

If you are in crisis or you think you may have an emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.

If you do not have a health professional who is able to assist you, use these resources to find help:

Emergency Medical Services—911

If the situation is potentially life-threatening, get immediate emergency assistance by calling 911, available 24 hours a day.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org.

SAMHSA addiction and mental health treatment Referral Helpline, 1-877-SAMHSA7 (1-877-726-4727) and https://www.samhsa.gov

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