High-Functioning Depression w/ Research Psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph

Jan 13, 2026

Dr. Judith Joseph, a research psychiatrist and author, dives into the unseen struggles of high-functioning depression. She highlights how many cope by staying busy, masking their internal pain. Judith introduces her Five V's framework—Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision—to help reclaim joy and improve mental health. The discussion also emphasizes proactive approaches to mental wellness and the importance of small, actionable changes for enhancing well-being. It's a thought-provoking conversation brimming with practical insights!

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INSIGHT

Hidden Depression Behind Overfunctioning

High-functioning depression hides behind overworking and competence while internal symptoms persist.
Judith Joseph found people avoid pain by staying busy instead of breaking down like classic depression.

ANECDOTE

Research Inspired By Personal Struggle

Judith Joseph describes her own period of hidden struggle while being the boss, mom, and therapist.
Her personal experience motivated the research into high-functioning depression.

INSIGHT

Shift From Reactive To Proactive Care

Psychiatry often waits for crisis-level impairment before treating depression.
Judith Joseph argues for proactive detection and reclaiming joy before breakdown occurs.

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High Functioning Depression looks like coping with depression by keeping busy and distracting yourself with overwork. Learn 5 ways to overcome depression in this interview w/ Dr. Judith Joseph

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In this conversation, Dr. Judith Joseph discusses high functioning depression, a condition where individuals appear to be functioning well on the outside while struggling internally. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing this hidden depression proactively rather than waiting for a crisis. Dr. Joseph introduces her framework of the Five V's—Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision—as a way to help individuals reclaim their joy and improve their mental health. The discussion also touches on the significance of understanding personal happiness and making small, actionable changes to enhance well-being.

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Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.