Ever caught yourself saying "it's not that bad" when you're feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or simply not yourself? That seemingly innocent phrase carries enormous weight, subtly convincing us to minimize our struggles and postpone getting the support we truly need.

This Mental Health Awareness Month bonus episode tackles high-functioning distress—that space where you're managing responsibilities, showing up for others, and appearing put-together while feeling completely drained inside. Through personal stories and gentle insights, Dr. Angela Downey reveals how functioning doesn't equal thriving, and why waiting until we're at our breaking point to seek help robs us of preventative care that could change everything.

The episode explores why codependents, people pleasers, and overachievers are particularly susceptible to downplaying their mental health needs. Dr. Downey shares a powerful personal experience of receiving a spa day gift only to discover her nervous system had forgotten how to relax—a wake-up call that being "fine" on paper doesn't mean you're well. She challenges the false dichotomy that suggests we can't be both grateful and struggling simultaneously, offering a more compassionate framework for validating our experiences.

Most importantly, this episode reframes mental health support as preventative rather than reactive. Just as we wouldn't wait for a cavity before brushing our teeth or an engine failure before changing our oil, we shouldn't postpone mental healthcare until we're in crisis. Whether you're the family rock, the eternal caregiver, or the high-achieving perfectionist, you deserve support before everything crumbles. Small steps count—booking a therapy consult, admitting to a friend you're struggling, or simply acknowledging to yourself that you're not okay right now. Beca

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I am so excited to share my codependency recovery workbook with you. Click on the link to be brough to Enough As I Am on Amazon.