Dr. Joseph shares insights from her groundbreaking, peer-reviewed study, the first of its kind on high-functioning depression. She explains why many people with depression symptoms continue to function, showing up to work and managing their responsibilities, often while wearing a mask to hide their pain. They may not experience joy or pleasure, a symptom known as anhedonia, which can be a key indicator of this condition.

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Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ

If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support.

Our conversation challenges the traditional medical approach to mental health, which often requires a person to reach a point of crisis before they can receive a diagnosis or treatment. We explore why this "wait until you're at stage four" mentality is so flawed and how we can instead adopt a preventative mindset, similar to what we see in cardiology.

We also dive into the fascinating link between past trauma and the need to be constantly busy. Dr. Joseph’s research shows that high-functioning individuals often avoid dealing with their pain by taking on more work and distracting themselves.

In this episode:

00:46 - What is High-Functioning Depression?

02:47 - The connection between trauma, being busy, and high-functioning depression

04:21 - The medical field's narrow definition of trauma

07:12 - The idea of "white knuckling" life

08:32 - The difference between happiness and joy

11:23 - The importance of small moments of joy

14:16 - Using the Bio-Psychosocial Model to find joy

25:50 - The significance of body and emotional awareness

27:50 - The impact of social media and technology

31:53 - The importance of in-person connection

37:48 - The future of AI in therapy

40:39 - The connection between people-pleasing, perfectionism, and trauma

45:54 - Why people return to abusive relationships

48:38 - A 5-step model for finding joy

53:40 - The joy of writing and creative work

Order Dr. Judith Joseph's book, High-Functioning: https://amzn.to/3Iotjvx

Kati's Main Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton#podcast #psychology #drjudithjoseph

KATI'S BOOKS

Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j

Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY

ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month)

While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://www.betterhelp.com/kati

PARTNERSHIPS

Nick Freeman | [email protected]

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