Good Grades and Depression: Why Academic Success Can Hide Teen Mental Illness

Can a teen be excelling academically while secretly battling depression or bipolar disorder?

In this revealing episode, Michelle Yang shares her story of being a high-achieving immigrant student who outwardly had it all together—straight A’s, strong work ethic, and responsibility—while silently struggling with anxiety, depression, and undiagnosed bipolar disorder.

Despite begging for therapy as a teenager, Michelle’s struggles were dismissed by adults who believed good grades meant good mental health. Cultural stigma, parental fear of leaving a “permanent record,” and a dismissive doctor’s visit all delayed her diagnosis and treatment for years.

Now a thriving advocate and writer, Michelle uses her experience to shine a light on the dangerous myth that academic performance protects teens from mental illness. Her story reminds us that depression can hide in plain sight—and listening without judgment can save lives.

Link to Michelle's Blog: www.livingwellhappily.com/ 

Primary Topics Covered:

• Michelle’s experience immigrating from Korea and the trauma of cultural adjustment
• Taking on adult responsibilities at a young age as a translator and family caretaker
• The disconnect between academic achievement and emotional struggles
• Early symptoms of bipolar disorder and severe anxiety during high school
• Manic episodes, paranoia, and psychotic-like symptoms as a teen
• Why teachers and professionals overlooked her needs due to good grades
• The crushing shame of feeling “different” and misunderstood
• Her parents’ fear of stigma and a “permanent record” blocking college opportunities
• A secret doctor visit that ended in dismissal instead of diagnosis
• How stigma delayed treatment for years—and the hope of eventual healing

Timestamps

00:11 Introduction and hosts’ reflections
 02:01 Michelle’s background as an immigrant from Korea
 03:04 Early signs of anxiety and depression in childhood
 04:19 Family struggles with cultural and career shifts after immigration
 05:26 Becoming a translator and caretaker at age 12
 05:40 Pressure from family and the beginnings of depression
 05:49 Academic achievement alongside deep anxiety and sleeplessness
 06:32 Manic episodes with psychotic-like tendencies
 06:42 The shame and fear after manic episodes ended
 07:22 Out-of-character behaviors at school and teacher responses
 08:13 How teachers and schools excused behavior as “cultural differences”
 08:55 Michelle’s confusion and lack of words for her experience
 09:59 Asking parents for help and begging for therapy
 10:55 Her parents’ fear of stigma and “permanent record” consequences
 11:50 A secret doctor visit that ended in dismissal
 13:07 The heartbreak of being told she had an “overactive imagination”
 13:55 Four more years until she received professional diagnosis and treatment
 14:52 Hosts reflect on her resilience and eventual thriving
 15:34 Closing thoughts and next week’s continuation of Michelle’s story

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