Almost 30 781. High Achieving, But Still Unhappy? The Reason Will Surprise You
Jul 15, 2025
In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Judith Joseph, a Columbia-trained psychiatrist and author of 'High Functioning', addresses the hidden depression many high achievers face. She reveals the sneaky signs of high-functioning depression and differentiates between joy and temporary happiness. The discussion explores how people-pleasing and perfectionism lead to unfulfillment. Dr. Joseph also shares her insightful '5 Vs' framework, encouraging a shift in mindset to prioritize genuine joy over societal pressures. Get ready for a liberating discussion about mental health and self-discovery!
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Five V's to Reclaim Joy
- Use the 5 V's to unlock daily pleasure: Validate, Vent, Values, Vitals, and Vision.
- Focus on small, authentic acts daily to reclaim joy, instead of overwhelming yourself with many changes.
Understanding High Functioning Depression
- High functioning depression is common among successful people who mask internal struggles by overworking.
- Symptoms often get overlooked until crisis or breakdown occurs, highlighting a flawed mental health model.
Busyness Masks Deeper Pain
- Many with high functioning depression mask feelings by chronic busyness to avoid pain.
- Avoidance numbs joy, leading to burnout and mental health crises if unaddressed early.
