#1 Researcher: 7 Signs You May Have High Functioning Depression

In today’s episode, you’re going to learn about something important and rarely discussed that specifically impacts busy people and high achievers.

Just ask yourself:

- Do you just have coffee for breakfast, because a real meal would slow you down? 

- Do you eat lunch while you work, instead of taking a break?

- Do you mindlessly scroll before going to bed because your mind is too busy?  

- Do you take on extra work because you think, “I’m the only one who can do this, right?”

- Are you always there for others but don’t take care of yourself? 

These are some of the signs of high-functioning depression you should not ignore. 

Joining Mel today is the world’s leading expert and researcher on this topic, Dr. Judith Joseph, MD.

Today, Dr. Joseph is here to share her groundbreaking research on this important subject and exactly what to do to feel more energized, excited, joyful, and present in your life again. 

Dr. Joseph is a renowned double-board-certified psychiatrist who trained at and is affiliated with Columbia University and New York University. She is also a pioneering researcher and the founder and principal investigator of her research institute, Manhattan Behavioral Medicine, where she has conducted over 60 clinical research trials with her all-female medical team, which focus on high-functioning conditions, including high-functioning depression.

This episode is for all the busy people who keep it all together, the moms on the move, and the overachievers at work. You’ll be surprised, moved, and feel a sense of relief and peace after today’s episode.

If you liked this research-packed episode, you’ll love hearing Dr. Joseph’s other appearance on the podcast: Want to Be Happier Right Now? Don’t Make This Mistake (New Surprising Science)

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• Disclaimer

In this episode:

• 1:33: The 7 surprising symptoms of high functioning depression.
• 5:56: The surprising truth about medical research. 
• 6:48: What is high functioning depression?
• 8:33: How depression shows up differently for men. 
• 10:33: What happened to Mel’s husband, Chris when he was struggling. 
• 12:35: What makes high functioning depression different from low functioning depression? 
• 14:04: What a “day in the life” of someone with high functioning depression looks like. 
• 16:28: If you feel constantly anxious, ask yourself these 4 questions. 
• 18:51: What depression looks like in 2024. 
• 20:41: Watch out for this sneaky symptom of depression. 
• 22:32: What is happening in the brain and body when you have high functioning depression. 
• 24:03: How your genetics impact your mental health. 
• 25:07: If you feel diminishing joy and don’t want to seek medical help, here’s what you can do. 
• 27:45: Do you take on extra work because you think, “I’m the only one who can do this, right?”
• 30:41: What is the biopsychosocial model and how Dr. Judith uses it in her practice. 
• 32:01: If you feel like a burden to your friends and family, listen to this. 
• 35:12: What scarcity trauma is and how it shows up in your life. 
• 37:42: Do you feel like you can’t waste any food…ever?
• 43:03: How affect labeling can free you of your problems. 
• 47:54: The information on menopause that needs to be talked about. 

Dr. Judith Joseph:

• Dr. Joseph’s Anhedonia Quiz
• Dr. Joseph’s High Functioning Depression Quiz
• Follow Dr. Joseph on Instagram 
• Check out Dr. Joseph’s website
• Dr. Joseph’s NYU Publications

More resources:

• Forbes: How To Cope With High-Functioning Depression While Working, According To Mental Health Experts
• CNN: The rate of depression rate rises to record levels 
• Washington Post: What are the signs of being ‘high-functioning’
• National Institute of Mental Health: Men and depression
• New York Times: What brings you joy? 
• Harvard Health: Slow down, and try mindful eating 
• Mayo Clinic: Supporting a family member or friend‍
• Dr. Joseph’s Research Lab: Manhattan Behavioral Medicine ‍
• The Washington Post: The best treatment for depression could be exercise.‍
• Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience: Neurobiological mechanisms of anhedonia‍
• American Journal of Psychiatry: A better understanding of anhedonia‍
• Frontiers in Psychology: Measuring anhedonia‍
• Stanford Medicine: The scientific benefits of self-compassion.‍
• University of Colorado: 6 signs of depression you shouldn’t ignore.‍
• UC, Berkeley: 5 ways to help someone with depression.‍
• Scientific American: A new dimension to a meaningful life.‍
• JAMA Network: Anhedonia in adults with and without mental illness‍
• Cambridge University Press: Anhedonia: a neglected symptom of psychopathology‍
• Dove Medical Press: Anhedonia in depression and schizophrenia‍
• The New York Times: New focus on the chemistry of joylessness

This episode is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, professional coach, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment. Users should not disregard or delay in obtaining medical advice for any medical or mental health condition they may have and should seek the assistance of their healthcare professionals for any such conditions.