On Health for Women

The High Cost of 'I'm Fine': The Truth About High-Functioning Anxiety and Invisible Depression

11 snips
Jun 4, 2025
Helen Marie, a UK-based integrative psychotherapist and author of 'Choose Again', discusses the often invisible struggles of high-functioning anxiety and depression faced by women. She explores how suppressed stress affects the body and introduces Polyvagal Theory. Listeners learn about somatic practices like tapping, journaling for emotional growth, and the importance of meeting your nervous system where it’s at. Helen emphasizes reclaiming self-worth and connection through compassion and recognizing personal limits.
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ANECDOTE

Helen Marie's Career Shift Story

  • Helen Marie shares her personal journey shifted from public health to psychotherapy following a family mental health crisis.
  • Her experience as a caregiver opened her eyes to the unseen struggles carers face and inspired her to help others.
INSIGHT

The Hidden Struggle of Anxiety

  • Anxiety and depression often go unseen because women feel pressured to always look fine and avoid showing struggle.
  • This societal expectation creates immense internal stress, like swans gracefully gliding while their legs kick frantically underneath.
ADVICE

Map Your Nervous System States

  • Learn to map your nervous system states using Polyvagal Theory to recognize whether you are in safety, fight-flight, or freeze.
  • Use simple physical cues like placing your hand on your chest to return to a calmer, ventral vagal state.
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