Are you really okay, or have you just become good at pretending?

Many of us go through the motions—showing up, performing, and pushing through—while feeling disconnected, drained, and on the edge. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.

In this episode of A Really Good Cry, I talk to Dr. Judith Joseph, a psychiatrist and mental health expert, about high-functioning depression. We dive into why some of the most seemingly “put-together” individuals are struggling in silence, and how suppressing pain can also dull our capacity for joy. We explore how people-pleasing and overachievement often serve as coping mechanisms, and discuss small but impactful changes that can help you reconnect with yourself.

Dr. Judith also shares the 5 Vs, a science-based approach to finding balance, processing emotions, and rediscovering joy.

If you’ve ever felt like you should be fine but aren’t, this episode is for you.

Check out:

Book on High Functioning Depression:

https://highfunctioningbook.com/

First Peer-Reviewed Clinical Study in the world on High Functioning Depression:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39963293/

What We Discuss:

00:00 Intro

00:58 Why some people seem happy—but are actually depressed

04:16 The key difference between sadness and depression

06:26 How to tell if you’re experiencing high-functioning depression

09:33 If you don’t know your values, others won’t either

12:27 How to know if your values are really yours

16:22 The key to longevity that most people overlook

19:46 Anhedonia: The silent indicator of mental health struggles

23:25 The one question that could save a life

29:21 Why men and women experience depression differently

33:45 The Science of Joy: How to get more of it daily

36:40 How toxic environments drain your energy

39:44 The truth about antidepressants and mental health

44:45 Why do we self-sabotage?

47:56 The power of naming your emotions

49:48 Understand the science of your happiness

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