You might think depression looks like sadness, withdrawal, or losing all motivation. But what if it could also look like achievement, productivity, and relentless drive?

This week’s guest, Dr. Judith Joseph, psychiatrist, researcher, and author of High Functioning Depression, reveals why so many high performers silently struggle with emptiness, anxiety, and disconnection, despite looking like they “have it all.” Drawing from both her clinical expertise and lived experience, Dr. Joseph breaks down why society rewards overwork, how masking with busyness becomes a dangerous coping strategy, and why prevention, not crisis, is the future of mental health. Her work is reshaping how we understand success, resilience, and joy.

Together we explore:

– The hidden signs of high-functioning depression and why it’s so often missed

– Why constant productivity can be a coping mechanism for unresolved pain

– How anxiety and depression overlap more than we realize – The role of social media, overstimulation, and Gen Z’s rising mental health crisis

– Why toxic relationships and lack of validation fuel burnout – Dr. Joseph’s “5 V’s” framework for reclaiming joy and building resilience

– How to slow down, self-validate, and truly savor life without losing ambition

This is not about lowering your standards. It’s about rewriting the script on success, one where ambition and well-being can co-exist. If you’ve ever wondered why achievement alone doesn’t make you feel fulfilled, this conversation will give you the clarity and tools to change that.

Love,

Sarah Ann 💛

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This episode is also sponsored by London Nootropics, the best-in-class adaptogenic coffee I trust. Made with Hifas da Terra mushroom extracts, it supports focus, calm, and energy, and helps you stay sharp throughout the day.

Enjoy 20% off with code LIVEWELLBEWELL at londonnootropics.com

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Let’s be friends!

📷 Instagram:  / sarahannmacklin

📹 Subscribe:   / @livewellbewellsarah  

🐦 Twitter:  / sarahannmacklin  

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If you enjoyed this episode you might also like:

4 Resilience Shifts to Rewire Your Brain | From Survival Mode to Self-Leadership | Cory Richards

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vS8jI4XgcAw

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Connect with Dr. Judith Joseph:

🌐 Website: https://www.drjudithjoseph.com/

📷 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjudithjoseph/ ▶️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/drjudithjoseph/

👉Book: HighFunctioninghttps://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/judith-joseph/high-functioning/9780316577298

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Sign up to Sarah’s Compassionate Cure newsletter: 

Science Simplified, Health Humanised. Join thousands in exploring actionable insights that prioritise compassion, clarity, and real-life impact. https://sarahmacklin.substack.com/

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Highlights: