115. Understanding High-Functioning Depression: The Hidden Struggles of Overachievers

Hey friends!

In this episode of Anxiety Rx, I sit down with the brilliant Dr. Judith Joseph—a psychiatrist who took an unexpected detour from anesthesiology to psychiatry after realizing she was personally numbing more than just patients. Turns out, she was dealing with high-functioning depression.

We dive deep into what high-functioning depression actually looks like (hint: it’s not just sadness in a power suit), how childhood experiences sneak into adulthood, and why self-compassion isn’t just a fluffy buzzword—it’s a game-changer.

Dr. Joseph gets real about her own journey, shares insights from her therapy practice, and reminds us all to slow down and actually feel our emotions (yes, even the uncomfortable ones).

We also tackle societal pressures, the sneaky ways childhood trauma shapes our adult brains, and get a sneak peek at Dr. Joseph’s upcoming book, High Functioning—a much-needed guide to understanding happiness and mental health without the fluff.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re “doing fine” on the outside but struggling beneath the surface, this one’s for you.

Tune in for wisdom, warmth, and a few aha moments along the way!

Thank you for listening and you can find me on IG: @theanxietymd if you have any questions.

PS. If you would like to join the MBRX family of 4000+ anxiety WARRIORS who are shifting from coping with their anxiety to actually HEALING it, click the link below:
https://www.theanxietymd.com/MBRX

To pre-order Dr. Judith's book "High Functioning" click the link below:
https://drjudithjoseph.com/book-preorder/
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TIMESTAMPS

00:00 Introduction to Anxiety and Psychiatry 
02:38 High Functioning Depression: Understanding the Symptoms 
05:40 The Importance of Slowing Down 
09:46 Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health 
15:04 Masochism and People-Pleasing in Mental Health 
19:50 The Role of Relationships in Self-Love 
25:05 The Science of Happiness and Mental Health