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High Functioning: Overcome Your Hidden Depression and Reclaim Your Joy
Many of us experience periods in our lives when something feels “off”: when we struggle to find joy in happy moments, feel pessimistic about the future, and take little pleasure in things we used to enjoy. On the surface, we might be good at pretending we're doing fine—we are motivated and productive at work, pulling our weight at home, and conducting a normal social life—but behind that façade we are barely surviving, and certainly not thriving.
We're all familiar with what depression can look like—but there's another, lesser‑known face to this illness. High functioning depression (HFD) doesn't conform to the image of depression that typically comes to someone who is deeply sad and finds it hard to get out of bed in the morning. As a result, people with HFD often have no idea why they are suffering, or what to do about it.
In High Functioning, Dr. Judith Joseph radically shifts the way those of us with HFD see ourselves, revealing that what we’re feeling is not simply “negativity” or stress. Drawing on original research, client cases, and her personal experience with HFD, Dr. Judith empowers readers with five simple tools to reclaim their lives from this poorly understood condition. By following her Her 5 V's - validation, venting, values, vision, and vitals - we can wake up happier, become more satisfied in our relationships, and regain joy in the present while looking forward to tomorrow.
We're all familiar with what depression can look like—but there's another, lesser‑known face to this illness. High functioning depression (HFD) doesn't conform to the image of depression that typically comes to someone who is deeply sad and finds it hard to get out of bed in the morning. As a result, people with HFD often have no idea why they are suffering, or what to do about it.
In High Functioning, Dr. Judith Joseph radically shifts the way those of us with HFD see ourselves, revealing that what we’re feeling is not simply “negativity” or stress. Drawing on original research, client cases, and her personal experience with HFD, Dr. Judith empowers readers with five simple tools to reclaim their lives from this poorly understood condition. By following her Her 5 V's - validation, venting, values, vision, and vitals - we can wake up happier, become more satisfied in our relationships, and regain joy in the present while looking forward to tomorrow.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 8, 2025
449 people are currently reading
5169 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
April 6, 2025
⭐⭐ 2 Stars
I was intrigued and felt this book had promise when I first started it. The idea of high-functioning depression is not a new one - I believe in the past more referred to as a categorisation of the effect of symptoms of depression - but this book explores it as if it's it's own diagnosis - one with symptoms of both depression, and work-triggered-burnout. Like a lot of books around burnout, it is heavily focused around work behaviour, which i personally feel is a disservice, as I believe a lot of people feel this way despite not working ridiculous hours in high-stress jobs.
Perhaps I am too deep in the world of psychology and self-help, but this book didn't feel groundbreaking to me. The information to help cure your high-functioning depression was the same as much of any self help book, just delivered slightly differently.
I appreciate most different self-help books despite similar content, as sometimes it takes the right one for the right person to get the message. However this one didn't hit any targets for me.
The steps and advice throughout the book are also not very neurodivergent friendly.
Overall, I would not recommend, and would point the average person to some other books before suggesting high functioning.
One thing to say, is that the audiobook being recorded by the author is an excellent choice. I appreciated the passion shares through her anecdotes.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
I was intrigued and felt this book had promise when I first started it. The idea of high-functioning depression is not a new one - I believe in the past more referred to as a categorisation of the effect of symptoms of depression - but this book explores it as if it's it's own diagnosis - one with symptoms of both depression, and work-triggered-burnout. Like a lot of books around burnout, it is heavily focused around work behaviour, which i personally feel is a disservice, as I believe a lot of people feel this way despite not working ridiculous hours in high-stress jobs.
Perhaps I am too deep in the world of psychology and self-help, but this book didn't feel groundbreaking to me. The information to help cure your high-functioning depression was the same as much of any self help book, just delivered slightly differently.
I appreciate most different self-help books despite similar content, as sometimes it takes the right one for the right person to get the message. However this one didn't hit any targets for me.
The steps and advice throughout the book are also not very neurodivergent friendly.
Overall, I would not recommend, and would point the average person to some other books before suggesting high functioning.
One thing to say, is that the audiobook being recorded by the author is an excellent choice. I appreciated the passion shares through her anecdotes.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 2, 2025
I think the interesting part of depression is that sometimes rather than being frozen, sullen, or unable to do tasks we overcompensate and do too much. This book helped me identify things that are associated with high functioning depression: taking on too many tasks, not allowing yourself to feel emotions, anhedonia, etc. I really enjoyed how client experiences were brought in to explain different symptoms and the way HFD can present. In the later part of the book, we are introduced with different ways to combat HFD. I found the different suggestions were helpful, and not repetitive information that I’ve read elsewhere. I’ve already recommended it to a few friends.
Thank you Net Galley & Hackett Audio for a copy of this book.
Thank you Net Galley & Hackett Audio for a copy of this book.
May 3, 2025
The same old stuff packaged in an ableist light. I expected more out of this author.
October 19, 2025
On first glance, the synopsis of the book immediately attracted me with its promise of a novel concept in psychology and mental health. Unfortunately, "High Functioning" fails to deliver. It’s written for a very narrow definition of a high-functioning depressive, basically equating it to workaholic behavior. This seemed like a missed opportunity to recognize the wide spectrum of people who may have normal work-life balance and be able to maintain normal functionality (such as not struggling to get out of bed, etc.) and yet still grapple with other depressive symptoms. As such, this book will be relatable only to a very specific subset of the population.
My larger issue with the book is that Joseph gives little to go on in the way of "proof" for a disorder that is not currently recognized in diagnostic criteria. Apparently she was the first to study the concept of high-functioning depression (something she's not shy to tell the reader ... repeatedly), but she fails to give any stats or info from her study to back it up. There's a list of sources in an appendix at the back, but if you're going to assert that you've discovered an entirely new diagnosis, you need to provide more than a breadcrumb trail. The book was sorely needing some actual data in the text, or even a simple summary of her study, to provide a clear illustration on how high-functioning depression differntiates from diagnoses that have come before it. As a psych major myself, I was trained to never accept this type of text, because psychology is a “soft” science that’s questioned enough as it is — you HAVE to give the proof. And, in the end, I’m not convinced. What she's describing, especially within the limited framework of workaholic or people-pleasing behavior, sounds an awful lot like burnout to me, something that actually has been recognized by the World Health Organization as a definable syndrome. If high-functioning depression is indeed distinct from burnout, this book left me with nothing to point to on where that distinction exists.
Some of the suggestions Joseph provides also seemed questionable at best and surprised me, coming from a board-certified psychiatrist. For example, she encourages venting in social media comment threads as a form of group therapy. I honestly cannot wrap my head around a therapist who would recommend that because you know you’re going to be fed all kinds of brain rot from that peanut gallery, and potentially open yourself up to additional trauma from online bullying.
All in all, I appreciate the acknowledgment that some people can have deep struggles with depressive symptoms while not checking all the boxes of the DSM-5 — on this, the author and I whole-heartedly agree. I just found myself wishing that concept had been more convincingly delivered.
My larger issue with the book is that Joseph gives little to go on in the way of "proof" for a disorder that is not currently recognized in diagnostic criteria. Apparently she was the first to study the concept of high-functioning depression (something she's not shy to tell the reader ... repeatedly), but she fails to give any stats or info from her study to back it up. There's a list of sources in an appendix at the back, but if you're going to assert that you've discovered an entirely new diagnosis, you need to provide more than a breadcrumb trail. The book was sorely needing some actual data in the text, or even a simple summary of her study, to provide a clear illustration on how high-functioning depression differntiates from diagnoses that have come before it. As a psych major myself, I was trained to never accept this type of text, because psychology is a “soft” science that’s questioned enough as it is — you HAVE to give the proof. And, in the end, I’m not convinced. What she's describing, especially within the limited framework of workaholic or people-pleasing behavior, sounds an awful lot like burnout to me, something that actually has been recognized by the World Health Organization as a definable syndrome. If high-functioning depression is indeed distinct from burnout, this book left me with nothing to point to on where that distinction exists.
Some of the suggestions Joseph provides also seemed questionable at best and surprised me, coming from a board-certified psychiatrist. For example, she encourages venting in social media comment threads as a form of group therapy. I honestly cannot wrap my head around a therapist who would recommend that because you know you’re going to be fed all kinds of brain rot from that peanut gallery, and potentially open yourself up to additional trauma from online bullying.
All in all, I appreciate the acknowledgment that some people can have deep struggles with depressive symptoms while not checking all the boxes of the DSM-5 — on this, the author and I whole-heartedly agree. I just found myself wishing that concept had been more convincingly delivered.
July 30, 2025
A Thoughtful Primer—But Not Much More
Dr. Judith Joseph does a brilliant job articulating the concept of high-functioning depression—emphasizing not that it was discovered recently, but rather that we’ve finally begun to understand and acknowledge it in more nuanced ways. Her voice is compassionate, clear, and deeply affirming for those who may see their own silent struggles reflected in these pages.
The book is good. Solid. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a well-structured, contemporary self-help guide on mental health. But perhaps that’s also the issue—for readers like myself, who’ve grown up in an era where mental health conversations are no longer whispered behind closed doors but spoken freely among friends, peers, and digital communities, much of the content doesn’t feel particularly novel. If anything, it reads like a thoughtful synthesis of ideas already made accessible through Oprah’s television segments, countless podcast episodes, and bite-sized social media explainers. Revolutionary in the ’90s or early 2000s? Absolutely. In 2025? Less so.
That said, this book isn’t trying to be a groundbreaking academic text—and that’s important to acknowledge. It’s written for the reader who is just beginning to name what they’re feeling, who needs a starting point rather than a masterclass. In that light, it succeeds. Still, I found myself wishing for more: more nuance, more depth, and more tools not just for self-reflection, but for communal care. A chapter on how to support someone with high-functioning depression would’ve been especially enriching—how to love them, hold space for them, and notice what they may not say.
At its core, this is a classic self-help book with a mindfulness twist. There’s comfort in that. But in an age where a well-curated TikTok feed or a five-minute YouTube video can deliver similar insights, it’s hard not to feel that the book occasionally falls behind the pace of public knowledge. That’s not a fault of the author, necessarily—but it does reflect the challenges of publishing in a world where information is both immediate and abundant.
In short: this is a well-written, warm introduction. Just don’t come expecting revelations—come for recognition.
Dr. Judith Joseph does a brilliant job articulating the concept of high-functioning depression—emphasizing not that it was discovered recently, but rather that we’ve finally begun to understand and acknowledge it in more nuanced ways. Her voice is compassionate, clear, and deeply affirming for those who may see their own silent struggles reflected in these pages.
The book is good. Solid. It’s exactly what you’d expect from a well-structured, contemporary self-help guide on mental health. But perhaps that’s also the issue—for readers like myself, who’ve grown up in an era where mental health conversations are no longer whispered behind closed doors but spoken freely among friends, peers, and digital communities, much of the content doesn’t feel particularly novel. If anything, it reads like a thoughtful synthesis of ideas already made accessible through Oprah’s television segments, countless podcast episodes, and bite-sized social media explainers. Revolutionary in the ’90s or early 2000s? Absolutely. In 2025? Less so.
That said, this book isn’t trying to be a groundbreaking academic text—and that’s important to acknowledge. It’s written for the reader who is just beginning to name what they’re feeling, who needs a starting point rather than a masterclass. In that light, it succeeds. Still, I found myself wishing for more: more nuance, more depth, and more tools not just for self-reflection, but for communal care. A chapter on how to support someone with high-functioning depression would’ve been especially enriching—how to love them, hold space for them, and notice what they may not say.
At its core, this is a classic self-help book with a mindfulness twist. There’s comfort in that. But in an age where a well-curated TikTok feed or a five-minute YouTube video can deliver similar insights, it’s hard not to feel that the book occasionally falls behind the pace of public knowledge. That’s not a fault of the author, necessarily—but it does reflect the challenges of publishing in a world where information is both immediate and abundant.
In short: this is a well-written, warm introduction. Just don’t come expecting revelations—come for recognition.
October 31, 2025
I appreciated how validating this book was and think all my fellow anxious over-achievers should listen
June 17, 2025
I needed this book and I think everyone I know does, too. We're out here struggling while appearing successful and delaying joy to accumulate more accolades with the promise of "soon." Grateful to have found this now, just as I'm trying to figure out what's next.
April 8, 2025
You can get out of bed, but you don’t have the motivation to wash the dishes. You can go to social functions, but you have difficulty concentrating on conversations due to brain dog. You’re productive at work, but you’re burned out and have a hard time saying “no.” On the outside, everything may look fine. But on the inside, you’re drowning — or just apathetic.
HIGH FUNCTIONING by Dr. Judith Joseph looks at the often-hidden high-functioning depression and gives readers the tools they need to reignite the spark of joy and live in the present.
I listened to HIGH FUNCTIONING on audiobook, and it kept me engaged until the very end. Dr. Joseph does a great job explaining what HFD looks and feels like, using human examples/anecdotes, and providing useful tools to live a happier, more fulfilled life. I plan on purchasing a physical copy for highlighting and tabbing pages.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Little Brown Spark/Hachette Audio for an advanced audio copy of #HighFunctioning.
HIGH FUNCTIONING by Dr. Judith Joseph looks at the often-hidden high-functioning depression and gives readers the tools they need to reignite the spark of joy and live in the present.
I listened to HIGH FUNCTIONING on audiobook, and it kept me engaged until the very end. Dr. Joseph does a great job explaining what HFD looks and feels like, using human examples/anecdotes, and providing useful tools to live a happier, more fulfilled life. I plan on purchasing a physical copy for highlighting and tabbing pages.
Thank you to #NetGalley and Little Brown Spark/Hachette Audio for an advanced audio copy of #HighFunctioning.
May 4, 2025
Book Review: High Functioning by Dr. Judith Joseph
I didn’t know I needed this book until I was a few pages in and found myself both comforted and convicted.
High Functioning isn’t just for the person quietly carrying the weight of the world with a smile—it’s for anyone who loves someone like that, too. While I personally didn’t feel entirely “called out,” the chapter about the trauma of working under a demanding boss? That hit close to home. More importantly, I saw someone I love on every page, and that made me pay attention.
Dr. Judith Joseph writes like the therapist-friend we all wish we had—gentle but honest, warm yet informed. The tone is modern, relatable, and refreshingly free of clinical jargon. She has a gift for making complex emotional struggles feel both valid and solvable.
This book doesn’t just raise awareness around high functioning depression, there are plenty of solutions and strategies. It’s part mirror, part map. There’s education, yes, but also a way forward. Expect a bit of tough love, but always from a place of compassion.
If you or someone you care about is “doing fine” on the outside but struggling underneath, High Functioning might be the most important book you read this year.
Highly recommend.
I didn’t know I needed this book until I was a few pages in and found myself both comforted and convicted.
High Functioning isn’t just for the person quietly carrying the weight of the world with a smile—it’s for anyone who loves someone like that, too. While I personally didn’t feel entirely “called out,” the chapter about the trauma of working under a demanding boss? That hit close to home. More importantly, I saw someone I love on every page, and that made me pay attention.
Dr. Judith Joseph writes like the therapist-friend we all wish we had—gentle but honest, warm yet informed. The tone is modern, relatable, and refreshingly free of clinical jargon. She has a gift for making complex emotional struggles feel both valid and solvable.
This book doesn’t just raise awareness around high functioning depression, there are plenty of solutions and strategies. It’s part mirror, part map. There’s education, yes, but also a way forward. Expect a bit of tough love, but always from a place of compassion.
If you or someone you care about is “doing fine” on the outside but struggling underneath, High Functioning might be the most important book you read this year.
Highly recommend.
September 26, 2025
This was a great look into another side of having depression. The side of depression where you are still functioning at a high despite the toll it is taking on you in a variety of ways. The author, Dr. Judith Joseph, provides a set of tools to help with HFD (high functioning depression). Joseph calls these the five V’s- validation, venting, values, venting and vision. With each of these tools you evaluate, process and move forward in understanding your HFD. I enjoyed learning about these five V’s and think they are fantastic tools. I also love learning about new concepts like anhedonia which is an inability to find joy and pleasure.
February 3, 2026
Oooh I feel so down on myself when I read this book. Feel maybe too seen - especially when I think I'm doing well and then I see myself still reflected here. alas.
“High functioning depression is a mental health disorder triggered by trauma… that can lead to a lack of pleasure in life (anhedonia) and masochistic behaviors in which you sacrifice your well being for others.”
Have you felt emotionally numb or detached for a period lasting more than 2 weeks?
In the past have you experienced significant changes in your sleep patterns (sleeping either too much or too little?)
Have you noticed a change in your appetite (eating either more or less than usual)
Do you often feel inadequate or overwhelmed by guilt even when others assure you otherwise?
Have you experienced persistent low energy or feelings of burnout that make daily tasks challenging?
Have you struggled with feelings of hopelessness about the future or your current situation?
Do you find it difficult to concentrate or to complete tasks that you previously handled with ease?
Have you felt restless or stuck, unable to find satisfaction in activities you used to enjoy?
Have you had persistent thoughts about life’s pointlessness or increased thoughts of death or suicide?
Have you felt unusually sluggish or slow moving to the extent that it impact your daily activities?
Have you lost interest in hobbies or activities that once brought you joy?
Do you often avoid seeking help for your problems to avoid burdening others?
0 nope, 1-3 - mild, 4-7- moderate, 8-12 severe
“It is also an adult trauma to be in a physically, mentally or emotionally abusive romantic relationship that convinces you you’re not good enough and don’t deserve a happy life.”
“That scarcity mentality was passed along to my mother and then to me in the form of pressure to excel so that resources would never be scarce again. Some people react to scarcity trauma from their childhood by forcing themselves into scarcity situations as adults. They go on shopping sprees and max out their credit cards because deep down they’re uncomfortable with the amount of money in their bank accounts. Having resources is unfamiliar to them. They can’t stop overspending because their brains and their bodies are used to living on the edge of poverty. They were born into debt so now that they have resources, overspending brings them back to that familiar and comfortable baseline. Other people react to scarcity trauma by shifting into survival mode. They hoard the plastic containers their takeout comes in because it’s basically free tupperware. They keep the tags on dresses they bought five years ago so they can return them in case they never get around to wearing them. They consider the expiration date on food from the grocery store a suggestion at best and at worst a flat out lie by food companies to get you to buy more food.”
“...just world hypothesis. It’s the idea that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people.” (well, they shouldn’t have x. That’s what happens)
“We don’t realize that we didn’t do anything to deserve what happened to us. We don’t give ourselves compassion, take time to acknowledge our pain, and learn how to move forward in our lives in a healthy way. We do the opposite. We walk around thinking that the bad thing happened to us because we were careless or irresponsible. Or we come to think that we just might be a bad person. One of the most common symptoms of trauma is internalized blame and shame.”
Anhedonia
“Even the joy of achieving a task… is robbed from us. There’s no excitement from expecting, no joy from experiencing, and no pride for executing those goals. Only self-doubt… and once we’re past that we don’t celebrate it. Instead we’re on to the next goal. And the next. And the next.”
“And because people with high functioning depression are good at adapting to uncomfortable circumstances, we can feel this way for long periods of time without even realizing it.”
“The treatment for anhedonia is to be present and do things you once loved with full attention.”
“The act of identifying and naming how you feel makes you feel better and less scared. It’s called affect labeling.”
“Look at the questions you answered yes to and consider what you would need to do to turn that yes into a no.” anhedonia quiz:
Do you often make delayed future happiness statements instead of feeling gratitude in the moment?
Do you find it hard to feel fulfilled by resting or taking breaks because instead you feel restless and empty when you’re not busy?
Do you almost never take the time to savor your meals? (multitasking, mindless, scarf)
Do you seldom enjoy the curiosity of reading for leisure?
When you take naps do you end up feeling tired instead of refreshed?
When you watch TV of movies (streaming included) are you doing something else or distracted from the program?
When you make an effort to dress up to you hardly ever luxuriate in the experience?
When others compliment you do you have a hard time feeling pride at the praise?
Do you have a difficult time feeling connected to others? During social interactions with friends and/or family members?
Is it challenging for you to relax on vacations and/or holidays? (packed itinerary, working)
Do you find it difficult to enjoy your expertise with your favorite hobbies or activities?
Do you find it hard to feel delight in listening to music?
Do you have a difficult time enjoying sexuality during physical intimacy or sexual behavior?
Do you struggle to feel present during self-care activities?
Do you find it difficult to be present while experiencing simple pleasures?
Do you have a hard time feeling skillful or in flow while working? (hard on self)
0-3 - no to mild, 4-11 mild to moderate, 12-16 severe anhedonia
“You routinely put joy and pleasure on the backburner everywhere else in life, why not with relationships? On top of that, if a relationship stops being pleasurable and starts being burdensome your anhedonia makes you so accustomed to lack of joy that you don’t bother thinking you should end the relationship. You just fall deeper into the lack.”
“...three major types of masochism that consistently emerge in people with high functioning depression.
Cultural Masochism - self sacrificing behaviors that are tied to or prescribed by a person’s ethnic traditions, nationality, or family values…
Relationship Masochism - self sacrificing behaviors that are tied to trying to please others…
Career Masochism - self sacrificing behaviors that are tied to a person’s job or unpaid volunteer work or career related advancement.”
Masochism quiz
I bend over backward to help people even though they may not have asked me to. I can't help but self-sacrifice in order to show up for others…
People are always coming to me for favors. They ask me for things because I rarely say no and or rarely reject them…
I often find myself in situations that are not in my best interest and frequently lead to disappointment, failure, or mistreatment…
Or enjoyment and instead work or engage in acts of duty…
When people offer to help me I turn them down or tell them I can do it without their help…
I feel uncomfortable when people do kind things for me, compliment me, or treat me well…
I have a hard time celebrating wins.
“We don’t have time to feel sad or anxious when we have to get everyone out of the house on time in the morning. As a result we have a hard time identifying and tolerating negative emotions.”
“So if we can change our thoughts for the better we can change our emotions and then our behaviors for the better as well.”
“...three validation tools you can use: self-validation, verbal validation, and factual validation.”
“...mirrors are an incredibly powerful tool for self validation. There’s something very powerful about making sustained eye contact with yourself.”
“...in changing the way you look at the past, you’re changing the way your brain thinks and processes information about the present and future too. If you can stop blaming, shaming, or judging your childhood self… you can also find it within you to stop shaming and judging your adult self.”
“Paying attention to these vitals also challenges the negative belief that you’re unworthy. Caring for your body shows you that you are.”
“Worry procrastination. To do it you designate a time and a place to write down your worries every day… The idea is to unload your worries at a specific time, not sporadically throughout the day. So you can avoid letting anxiety take over your life.”
“Rushing in the morning is extremely detrimental to people with anxiety and high functioning depression. Getting up late or with barely enough time to make it to the office is like putting your body in fight or flight mode. It’s unhealthy to dash for the door when you’ve had scarcely enough time to wash your face, throw on some clothes, and grab a stale bagel out of the kitchen. Not to mention the unhealthy stress of spending your whole commute worrying about whether you’re going to be late to work. That’s a start to a day where you’re going to forget things. You’re not going to think clearly. And you’re so on edge that you won’t appear kind to others.”
“When we shift a chore into an act of kindness it can become more appealing.”
“Vision means you can truly see your wins. Vision is your ability to recognize wins, plan ways to celebrate them and then take the time to actually follow through on those plans.”
“Why should we feel less than for not achieving a goal that wasn’t even our own?”
“I created the acronym TIES to help women identify their mental health concerns around menopause and to inspire them to share those concerns with their medical team:
T stands for thinking changes like struggling with executive functioning. You might have brain fog or problems with calculation. You might become easily distracted or suddenly have trouble with time management.
I stands for identity ambivalence. You might feel like you don’t know who you are anymore. Body changes in your brain, hair, skin, joints, and sexual organs can make you question your sense of self.
E stands for emotions. That’s the moodiness, irritability, anxiety, or apathy that can be brought on by hormonal fluctuations
S stands for sleep troubles which are common during menopause and can impact everything else I’ve mentioned. Your thoughts, identity perceptions and your emotional regulation.”
Five V: Values, Validation, Vision, Vent, Vitals
“High functioning depression is a mental health disorder triggered by trauma… that can lead to a lack of pleasure in life (anhedonia) and masochistic behaviors in which you sacrifice your well being for others.”
Have you felt emotionally numb or detached for a period lasting more than 2 weeks?
In the past have you experienced significant changes in your sleep patterns (sleeping either too much or too little?)
Have you noticed a change in your appetite (eating either more or less than usual)
Do you often feel inadequate or overwhelmed by guilt even when others assure you otherwise?
Have you experienced persistent low energy or feelings of burnout that make daily tasks challenging?
Have you struggled with feelings of hopelessness about the future or your current situation?
Do you find it difficult to concentrate or to complete tasks that you previously handled with ease?
Have you felt restless or stuck, unable to find satisfaction in activities you used to enjoy?
Have you had persistent thoughts about life’s pointlessness or increased thoughts of death or suicide?
Have you felt unusually sluggish or slow moving to the extent that it impact your daily activities?
Have you lost interest in hobbies or activities that once brought you joy?
Do you often avoid seeking help for your problems to avoid burdening others?
0 nope, 1-3 - mild, 4-7- moderate, 8-12 severe
“It is also an adult trauma to be in a physically, mentally or emotionally abusive romantic relationship that convinces you you’re not good enough and don’t deserve a happy life.”
“That scarcity mentality was passed along to my mother and then to me in the form of pressure to excel so that resources would never be scarce again. Some people react to scarcity trauma from their childhood by forcing themselves into scarcity situations as adults. They go on shopping sprees and max out their credit cards because deep down they’re uncomfortable with the amount of money in their bank accounts. Having resources is unfamiliar to them. They can’t stop overspending because their brains and their bodies are used to living on the edge of poverty. They were born into debt so now that they have resources, overspending brings them back to that familiar and comfortable baseline. Other people react to scarcity trauma by shifting into survival mode. They hoard the plastic containers their takeout comes in because it’s basically free tupperware. They keep the tags on dresses they bought five years ago so they can return them in case they never get around to wearing them. They consider the expiration date on food from the grocery store a suggestion at best and at worst a flat out lie by food companies to get you to buy more food.”
“...just world hypothesis. It’s the idea that good things happen to good people and bad things happen to bad people.” (well, they shouldn’t have x. That’s what happens)
“We don’t realize that we didn’t do anything to deserve what happened to us. We don’t give ourselves compassion, take time to acknowledge our pain, and learn how to move forward in our lives in a healthy way. We do the opposite. We walk around thinking that the bad thing happened to us because we were careless or irresponsible. Or we come to think that we just might be a bad person. One of the most common symptoms of trauma is internalized blame and shame.”
Anhedonia
“Even the joy of achieving a task… is robbed from us. There’s no excitement from expecting, no joy from experiencing, and no pride for executing those goals. Only self-doubt… and once we’re past that we don’t celebrate it. Instead we’re on to the next goal. And the next. And the next.”
“And because people with high functioning depression are good at adapting to uncomfortable circumstances, we can feel this way for long periods of time without even realizing it.”
“The treatment for anhedonia is to be present and do things you once loved with full attention.”
“The act of identifying and naming how you feel makes you feel better and less scared. It’s called affect labeling.”
“Look at the questions you answered yes to and consider what you would need to do to turn that yes into a no.” anhedonia quiz:
Do you often make delayed future happiness statements instead of feeling gratitude in the moment?
Do you find it hard to feel fulfilled by resting or taking breaks because instead you feel restless and empty when you’re not busy?
Do you almost never take the time to savor your meals? (multitasking, mindless, scarf)
Do you seldom enjoy the curiosity of reading for leisure?
When you take naps do you end up feeling tired instead of refreshed?
When you watch TV of movies (streaming included) are you doing something else or distracted from the program?
When you make an effort to dress up to you hardly ever luxuriate in the experience?
When others compliment you do you have a hard time feeling pride at the praise?
Do you have a difficult time feeling connected to others? During social interactions with friends and/or family members?
Is it challenging for you to relax on vacations and/or holidays? (packed itinerary, working)
Do you find it difficult to enjoy your expertise with your favorite hobbies or activities?
Do you find it hard to feel delight in listening to music?
Do you have a difficult time enjoying sexuality during physical intimacy or sexual behavior?
Do you struggle to feel present during self-care activities?
Do you find it difficult to be present while experiencing simple pleasures?
Do you have a hard time feeling skillful or in flow while working? (hard on self)
0-3 - no to mild, 4-11 mild to moderate, 12-16 severe anhedonia
“You routinely put joy and pleasure on the backburner everywhere else in life, why not with relationships? On top of that, if a relationship stops being pleasurable and starts being burdensome your anhedonia makes you so accustomed to lack of joy that you don’t bother thinking you should end the relationship. You just fall deeper into the lack.”
“...three major types of masochism that consistently emerge in people with high functioning depression.
Cultural Masochism - self sacrificing behaviors that are tied to or prescribed by a person’s ethnic traditions, nationality, or family values…
Relationship Masochism - self sacrificing behaviors that are tied to trying to please others…
Career Masochism - self sacrificing behaviors that are tied to a person’s job or unpaid volunteer work or career related advancement.”
Masochism quiz
I bend over backward to help people even though they may not have asked me to. I can't help but self-sacrifice in order to show up for others…
People are always coming to me for favors. They ask me for things because I rarely say no and or rarely reject them…
I often find myself in situations that are not in my best interest and frequently lead to disappointment, failure, or mistreatment…
Or enjoyment and instead work or engage in acts of duty…
When people offer to help me I turn them down or tell them I can do it without their help…
I feel uncomfortable when people do kind things for me, compliment me, or treat me well…
I have a hard time celebrating wins.
“We don’t have time to feel sad or anxious when we have to get everyone out of the house on time in the morning. As a result we have a hard time identifying and tolerating negative emotions.”
“So if we can change our thoughts for the better we can change our emotions and then our behaviors for the better as well.”
“...three validation tools you can use: self-validation, verbal validation, and factual validation.”
“...mirrors are an incredibly powerful tool for self validation. There’s something very powerful about making sustained eye contact with yourself.”
“...in changing the way you look at the past, you’re changing the way your brain thinks and processes information about the present and future too. If you can stop blaming, shaming, or judging your childhood self… you can also find it within you to stop shaming and judging your adult self.”
“Paying attention to these vitals also challenges the negative belief that you’re unworthy. Caring for your body shows you that you are.”
“Worry procrastination. To do it you designate a time and a place to write down your worries every day… The idea is to unload your worries at a specific time, not sporadically throughout the day. So you can avoid letting anxiety take over your life.”
“Rushing in the morning is extremely detrimental to people with anxiety and high functioning depression. Getting up late or with barely enough time to make it to the office is like putting your body in fight or flight mode. It’s unhealthy to dash for the door when you’ve had scarcely enough time to wash your face, throw on some clothes, and grab a stale bagel out of the kitchen. Not to mention the unhealthy stress of spending your whole commute worrying about whether you’re going to be late to work. That’s a start to a day where you’re going to forget things. You’re not going to think clearly. And you’re so on edge that you won’t appear kind to others.”
“When we shift a chore into an act of kindness it can become more appealing.”
“Vision means you can truly see your wins. Vision is your ability to recognize wins, plan ways to celebrate them and then take the time to actually follow through on those plans.”
“Why should we feel less than for not achieving a goal that wasn’t even our own?”
“I created the acronym TIES to help women identify their mental health concerns around menopause and to inspire them to share those concerns with their medical team:
T stands for thinking changes like struggling with executive functioning. You might have brain fog or problems with calculation. You might become easily distracted or suddenly have trouble with time management.
I stands for identity ambivalence. You might feel like you don’t know who you are anymore. Body changes in your brain, hair, skin, joints, and sexual organs can make you question your sense of self.
E stands for emotions. That’s the moodiness, irritability, anxiety, or apathy that can be brought on by hormonal fluctuations
S stands for sleep troubles which are common during menopause and can impact everything else I’ve mentioned. Your thoughts, identity perceptions and your emotional regulation.”
Five V: Values, Validation, Vision, Vent, Vitals
February 15, 2026
Podstępna i zdradziecka, często z uśmiechem na twarzy, chwyta znienacka i robi z nami wszystko. Mocno kojarzy mi się z cytatem z "Jokera": "Put on a happy face" albo spokojnym Chersterem Benningtonem na ostatnim zdjęciu. Depresja, którą coraz trudniej zdiagnozować, bo włączamy tryb przetrwania, gramy niezłomnych, a w środku przecież kruche szkło...
Psychiatrka, dr Judith Joseph, zbadała depresję wysokofunkcjonującą. Była pionierką, bo zdiagnozowała ją jako pierwsza... na sobie. Ta wersja depresji wynika z traumy (w dzieciństwie lub w dorosłości) i prowadzi do anhedonii i poświęcenia własnego dobrostanu dla innych. Na pierwszy rzut oka człowiek działa jak dotąd, symptomy są niemal niezauważalne. Do czasu.
Autorka, przywołując swoje doświadczenia, ale i posiłkując się wieloma innymi historiami pacjentów, pokazuje, że bardzo łatwo można przeoczyć moment, w którym z życia ulatuje radość. Włącza się wtedy autopilota i działa się dalej, tyle że robi się trudniej i trudniej. Ludzie zawsze gotowi do pomocy nie widzą, że sami jej potrzebują. Ta książka uświadamia wagę uważności na siebie.
Rodzinne drzewo traumy, narysowane przez autorkę, mocno mną wstrząsnęło. Tak wiele czynników wpływa na nasz stan psychiczny! Za tak wiele możemy podziękować rodzinie, a za jeszcze więcej ją obwinić... Gdy czyta się taką książkę, człowiek mimowolnie zaczyna się diagnozować - dobre to i złe zarazem.
Judith Joseph, po dokładnym opisie jednostki chorobowej, prezentuje 5 kroków ku zdrowiu, wszystkie na literę W (np. walidacja czy wartości). Na dłużej zatrzymałam się przy rozdziale "Czas podkręcić swoje wskaźniki życiowe" - dotarło do mnie, że bezwiednie uczyniłam miejsce mojej pracy przestrzenią, która dobrze wpływa na moje zdrowie psychiczne. Trochę kontrowersyjne różowe ściany, plakaty filmowe, prace uczniów, drobiazgi przypominające o absolwentach - gabinet 15 jest jedyny w swoim rodzaju...
Nie wiem, jak książkę Judith Joseph oceniają psycholodzy czy osoby chorujące na depresję. Nie jestem też wielką fanką poradników, ale ta lektura dała mi sporo przestrzeni do przemyśleń na temat tego, czy w moim życiu nie ma ostatnio za dużo smutku. A taka refleksja jest chyba bardzo potrzebna.
Psychiatrka, dr Judith Joseph, zbadała depresję wysokofunkcjonującą. Była pionierką, bo zdiagnozowała ją jako pierwsza... na sobie. Ta wersja depresji wynika z traumy (w dzieciństwie lub w dorosłości) i prowadzi do anhedonii i poświęcenia własnego dobrostanu dla innych. Na pierwszy rzut oka człowiek działa jak dotąd, symptomy są niemal niezauważalne. Do czasu.
Autorka, przywołując swoje doświadczenia, ale i posiłkując się wieloma innymi historiami pacjentów, pokazuje, że bardzo łatwo można przeoczyć moment, w którym z życia ulatuje radość. Włącza się wtedy autopilota i działa się dalej, tyle że robi się trudniej i trudniej. Ludzie zawsze gotowi do pomocy nie widzą, że sami jej potrzebują. Ta książka uświadamia wagę uważności na siebie.
Rodzinne drzewo traumy, narysowane przez autorkę, mocno mną wstrząsnęło. Tak wiele czynników wpływa na nasz stan psychiczny! Za tak wiele możemy podziękować rodzinie, a za jeszcze więcej ją obwinić... Gdy czyta się taką książkę, człowiek mimowolnie zaczyna się diagnozować - dobre to i złe zarazem.
Judith Joseph, po dokładnym opisie jednostki chorobowej, prezentuje 5 kroków ku zdrowiu, wszystkie na literę W (np. walidacja czy wartości). Na dłużej zatrzymałam się przy rozdziale "Czas podkręcić swoje wskaźniki życiowe" - dotarło do mnie, że bezwiednie uczyniłam miejsce mojej pracy przestrzenią, która dobrze wpływa na moje zdrowie psychiczne. Trochę kontrowersyjne różowe ściany, plakaty filmowe, prace uczniów, drobiazgi przypominające o absolwentach - gabinet 15 jest jedyny w swoim rodzaju...
Nie wiem, jak książkę Judith Joseph oceniają psycholodzy czy osoby chorujące na depresję. Nie jestem też wielką fanką poradników, ale ta lektura dała mi sporo przestrzeni do przemyśleń na temat tego, czy w moim życiu nie ma ostatnio za dużo smutku. A taka refleksja jest chyba bardzo potrzebna.
July 31, 2025
Heard about this on a podcast a while ago and the hold finally came through. Some parts more helpful than others (like the new stuff vs listing kinds of therapy options.. but like i get everyone starts somewhere), but i think hearing more about how masochism and a lack of joy can fester in high achievers was really necessary for me. Anyway here’s a random collection of thoughts and quotes:
One of the lesser known symptoms of trauma is putting yourself into risky situations to trick your brain into thinking you have a sense of control over danger
Anhedonia - i think this is such an important word and i don’t want to gatekeep it but i fear it getting as commodified as imposter syndrome (maybe that’s a bad take???)
Apparently therapists aren’t supposed to use masochism in therapy (as defined In dsm3: Pervasive pattern of self defeating, people pleasing behavior)
Think about a potential problematic attachment styles: Being drawn to avoidant men, gives you a perpetual project to work on thinking you can win them over
HFD can mean you don’t sufficiently value your feelings, important for you to focus on them primarily, then let everything flow from there
Validation types: Self validation, Watch someone else experience something similar to you - find a movie w themes of your life
Verbal validation; Factual validation - like abnormal bloodwork (SHINGLES)
Keeping things from a therapist sucks!!! Stop being a masochist and let it out
Full fed and content??? Have i ever???
What joy did i have as a child? Try to remind self by something i ate, listen to music from then etc.
Vision is your ability to recognize wins, plan ways to celebrate them, the take the time to actually follow through on those plans
Why should we feel less than for not completing a goal that wasn’t even our own
Celebrating is what happens when you compete with yourself and win
You need to schedule time to dwell in happy moments, …you have to schedule in satisfaction the same way you’ve been scheduling in success
One of the lesser known symptoms of trauma is putting yourself into risky situations to trick your brain into thinking you have a sense of control over danger
Anhedonia - i think this is such an important word and i don’t want to gatekeep it but i fear it getting as commodified as imposter syndrome (maybe that’s a bad take???)
Apparently therapists aren’t supposed to use masochism in therapy (as defined In dsm3: Pervasive pattern of self defeating, people pleasing behavior)
Think about a potential problematic attachment styles: Being drawn to avoidant men, gives you a perpetual project to work on thinking you can win them over
HFD can mean you don’t sufficiently value your feelings, important for you to focus on them primarily, then let everything flow from there
Validation types: Self validation, Watch someone else experience something similar to you - find a movie w themes of your life
Verbal validation; Factual validation - like abnormal bloodwork (SHINGLES)
Keeping things from a therapist sucks!!! Stop being a masochist and let it out
Full fed and content??? Have i ever???
What joy did i have as a child? Try to remind self by something i ate, listen to music from then etc.
Vision is your ability to recognize wins, plan ways to celebrate them, the take the time to actually follow through on those plans
Why should we feel less than for not completing a goal that wasn’t even our own
Celebrating is what happens when you compete with yourself and win
You need to schedule time to dwell in happy moments, …you have to schedule in satisfaction the same way you’ve been scheduling in success
August 12, 2025
In “High Functioning,” Dr. Judith Joseph offers a compassionate and clarifying look at a struggle many live with, but few name: the quiet exhaustion and emotional disconnection that can hide behind outward success. Rather than framing high-functioning depression as something to “fix” through sheer willpower, she invites us to meet it with honesty, gentleness, and structure, reclaiming our well-being step by step.
Central to the book is her Five V’s framework: Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision. It’s a simple, yet adaptable guide that helps untangle the hidden cost of constant performance. Joseph weaves together research, client stories, and personal insight to show how we can move from silently enduring to intentionally living.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. It doesn’t read like a dense clinical manual, but like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted mentor who understands both the science and the human heart. The tools are clear, flexible, and easy to integrate into daily life, especially when paired with other supports like therapy, execution-based strategies, and lifestyle shifts.
That said, readers already deep in their mental health journey may find some of the material more affirming than groundbreaking. It isn’t a trauma manual or a substitute for individualized treatment, but rather a well-lit path you can walk alongside other practices. For me, this book was both illuminating and grounding. It helped me name what I’ve carried quietly, and offered a framework I can return to whenever I feel myself slipping back into “functioning” instead of truly living.
Read if you like:
✨ Practical mental health tools grounded in compassion and clarity
✨ Approachable guidance for high-functioning depression and burnout
✨ Frameworks you can pair with therapy, coaching, or lifestyle changes
✨ Books that help you slow down, take stock, and realign with your values
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Central to the book is her Five V’s framework: Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision. It’s a simple, yet adaptable guide that helps untangle the hidden cost of constant performance. Joseph weaves together research, client stories, and personal insight to show how we can move from silently enduring to intentionally living.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is its accessibility. It doesn’t read like a dense clinical manual, but like a thoughtful conversation with a trusted mentor who understands both the science and the human heart. The tools are clear, flexible, and easy to integrate into daily life, especially when paired with other supports like therapy, execution-based strategies, and lifestyle shifts.
That said, readers already deep in their mental health journey may find some of the material more affirming than groundbreaking. It isn’t a trauma manual or a substitute for individualized treatment, but rather a well-lit path you can walk alongside other practices. For me, this book was both illuminating and grounding. It helped me name what I’ve carried quietly, and offered a framework I can return to whenever I feel myself slipping back into “functioning” instead of truly living.
Read if you like:
✨ Practical mental health tools grounded in compassion and clarity
✨ Approachable guidance for high-functioning depression and burnout
✨ Frameworks you can pair with therapy, coaching, or lifestyle changes
✨ Books that help you slow down, take stock, and realign with your values
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
May 16, 2025
High Functioning by Judith Joseph is a fascinating and eye-opening non fiction focused on mental health and self-help. This book is about high functioning depression, in which the author has researched, studied, and discovered is a form of depression that is not well known, and not well detected.
Have you been moving non-stop, driven by guilt, a need to control the narrative of your life, to overachieve, and to escape feeling? Do you feel like despite all you do, it’s not enough? But have you told your providers on repeat, “I don’t have depression”?
If this sounds like you (it sounds like me…), this book is one for you! You will not get bored with this read. It will keep you engaged and give you actionable steps to determine where you are at, and what you can do.
This book has changed the narrative of my own life. I know that seems like such a big statement to make, but this book spoke to me, down to my core. I cried multiple times with revelation after revelation. And then I spoke to my provider and therapist. I now have new plans in place to address an underlying issue that I’ve been trying to figure out for so long, but without a clear path, because I didn’t think I was depressed.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which was so well done. I listened at 1.5x speed to ensure I absorbed every nugget of information (my typical audiobook speed is 1.75x).
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this advanced listener copy. It has truly been a gift.
Have you been moving non-stop, driven by guilt, a need to control the narrative of your life, to overachieve, and to escape feeling? Do you feel like despite all you do, it’s not enough? But have you told your providers on repeat, “I don’t have depression”?
If this sounds like you (it sounds like me…), this book is one for you! You will not get bored with this read. It will keep you engaged and give you actionable steps to determine where you are at, and what you can do.
This book has changed the narrative of my own life. I know that seems like such a big statement to make, but this book spoke to me, down to my core. I cried multiple times with revelation after revelation. And then I spoke to my provider and therapist. I now have new plans in place to address an underlying issue that I’ve been trying to figure out for so long, but without a clear path, because I didn’t think I was depressed.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, which was so well done. I listened at 1.5x speed to ensure I absorbed every nugget of information (my typical audiobook speed is 1.75x).
Thank you NetGalley and Hachette Audio for this advanced listener copy. It has truly been a gift.
January 14, 2026
Surprisingly good! I didn’t think this would say anything new but it did make me think about how much I was doing in the past and how absurd it was. Still room for improvement. She has made an interesting connection on over functioning and sadness. You know, all the parts of life we just think are normal at this point.
January 7, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
My goal for 2026 is to read one “self help” book a month so I started the year off with this one. I’m not a big self help reader but I’m sure we could all benefit from them. This was good. I maybe expected a touch more but I definitely resonated with it
My goal for 2026 is to read one “self help” book a month so I started the year off with this one. I’m not a big self help reader but I’m sure we could all benefit from them. This was good. I maybe expected a touch more but I definitely resonated with it
February 18, 2026
This book was very disappointing. Even though she doesn’t say it, the author uses context clues making it seem like she discovered this topic. It reads more to her accomplishments than anything helpful. When describing problems and solutions it’s very limiting to a certain population. I felt like i wasted my time reading this book and wouldn’t recommend.
December 31, 2025
3 stars!
Heard about this through the Mel Robbins Podcast. Nothing absolutely groundbreaking but still an interesting read.
Heard about this through the Mel Robbins Podcast. Nothing absolutely groundbreaking but still an interesting read.
February 18, 2026
Great information.
December 30, 2025
Not very helpful, I still want to jump off a bridge and get all the things done.
January 18, 2026
this author recommends self diagnosis for a condition she named that other doctors do not recognize yet. that is not how medicine works- medicine works through careful study by multiple researchers and consensus building- a doctor, of all people, should know and respect that. too much potential for bias, too much potential for harm. on top of that, she makes wild assertions that she could not possibly have tested yet, like saying the condition manifest everywhere and in all types of people. anyone who takes this book seriously is taking a huge leap of faith, I hope that works out for you.
December 20, 2025
Just when I was starting to trust the author on this topic she mentioned BMI as a thing that should be a “wake up call” and lost all credibility. How can you be a doctor who doesn’t know how incredibly flawed BMI is as a measure of health? A fatphobic mental health practitioner is not one I have any interest in taking advice from. Next.
February 23, 2026
Wysoko funkcjonująca depresja. 5 kroków ku zdrowiu to publikacja autorstwa dr Judith Joseph, psychiatry i badaczki zajmującej się zdrowiem psychicznym. Autorka opisuje zjawisko, które nie funkcjonuje jako odrębna jednostka w klasyfikacjach diagnostycznych, lecz jako pewien wzorzec przeżywania i działania. Chodzi o sytuację, w której osoba z objawami depresyjnymi nadal wypełnia swoje role zawodowe i rodzinne, pozostając na zewnątrz sprawna i skuteczna.
Ten typ depresji nie kojarzy się z wycofaniem czy brakiem aktywności. Częściej wiąże się z nadmierną odpowiedzialnością, perfekcjonizmem, trudnością w odpoczynku oraz utratą zdolności odczuwania satysfakcji. Osoba działa, organizuje, pomaga innym, ale wewnętrznie doświadcza pustki, napięcia i przewlekłego zmęczenia. Autorka proponuje, by spojrzeć na to zjawisko nie jako na słabość, lecz jako na sygnał, że długotrwałe ignorowanie własnych potrzeb ma swoje konsekwencje.
Joseph łączy wiedzę kliniczną z doświadczeniem własnym i relacjami pacjentów. To ważne, ponieważ temat dotyczy ludzi, którzy rzadko zgłaszają się po pomoc w pierwszej fazie trudności. Książka ma być narzędziem wczesnego rozpoznania i zatrzymania się, zanim stan pogłębi się do postaci klasycznej depresji.
Publikacja została podzielona na dwie zasadnicze części. W pierwszej autorka omawia definicję zjawiska, jego możliwe źródła oraz typowe mechanizmy funkcjonowania osób zmagających się z tym stanem. Analizuje rolę doświadczeń z przeszłości, zwłaszcza traum, oraz wpływ środowiska rodzinnego i społecznego na kształtowanie się wzorca nadmiernej odpowiedzialności. Ta część ma charakter objaśniający i porządkujący. Pomaga nazwać to, co bywa trudne do uchwycenia.
Druga część ma wymiar praktyczny. Joseph proponuje model pracy nad sobą oparty na pięciu obszarach. Dotyczą one między innymi rozpoznawania i akceptowania emocji, bezpiecznego ich wyrażania, życia w zgodzie z własnymi wartościami oraz dbania o podstawowe wskaźniki dobrostanu, takie jak sen, relacje, ruch czy higiena cyfrowa. Autorka wprowadza także ćwiczenia i kwestionariusze, które mają wspierać autorefleksję.
Zaletą tej konstrukcji jest przejrzystość. Czytelnik najpierw dostaje szansę zrozumieć mechanizm choroby, a dopiero potem otrzymuje konkretne wskazówki jak sobie z nią radzić. Jednocześnie pojawia się pytanie, czy narzędzia do samodzielnej oceny własnego stanu nie mogą prowadzić do uproszczonego wnioskowania. Autorka zaznacza, że książka nie zastępuje terapii, lecz dla części odbiorców granica między wsparciem, a autodiagnozą może być nieostra.
Język książki jest przystępny i pozbawiony nadmiaru terminologii medycznej. Joseph pisze w sposób bezpośredni, momentami osobisty. Odwołuje się do własnych doświadczeń, co buduje wiarygodność, ale też zbliża ją do czytelnika. W wielu miejscach stosuje przykłady kliniczne, które ilustrują omawiane mechanizmy.
Struktura tekstu sprzyja pracy własnej. Pojawiają się pytania do refleksji, podsumowania oraz wyodrębnione fragmenty z ćwiczeniami. Nie jest to wyłącznie opis zjawiska, lecz próba prowadzenia czytelnika przez proces uważnego przyglądania się sobie.
Jednocześnie niektóre fragmenty mogą sprawiać wrażenie uproszczonych. Złożone zagadnienia związane z traumą czy mechanizmami obronnymi są momentami przedstawione w skrócie. Dla czytelnika poszukującego pogłębionej analizy naukowej może to być niedosyt. Dla osoby, która potrzebuje pierwszego impulsu do zatrzymania się i zauważenia swoich problemów, taka forma może okazać się wystarczająca.
Najważniejsze pytanie dotyczy tego, czy książka realnie pomaga osobie, która doświadcza opisanych trudności. Wydaje się, że jej siła leży w normalizowaniu przeżyć. Uświadamia, że można być aktywnym i jednocześnie wewnętrznie wyczerpanym. Pokazuje, że poczucie winy związane z odpoczynkiem czy brak radości z dotychczasowych pasji nie muszą być oznaką lenistwa.
Dla osoby w początkowej fazie kryzysu publikacja może stanowić ważny pretekst do prowadzenia autorefleksji. Może pomóc rozpoznać schemat działania, w którym potrzeby innych konsekwentnie stawiane są ponad własnymi. Może też uporządkować myślenie o codziennych nawykach, które wspierają lub osłabiają Nas własny dobrostan.
Jednocześnie nie jest to książka, która rozwiązuje problem depresji wysokofunkcjonującej przez samą jej lekturę. W przypadku głębszych objawów konieczna jest pomoc specjalisty, co autorka konsekwentnie podkreśla. Dla części czytelników publikacja będzie pierwszym krokiem ku zmianie. Dla innych może okazać się zbyt ogólna lub wpisująca się w szeroki nurt poradników psychologicznych.
Podsumowując, jest to pozycja, która porządkuje temat mało widocznej formy cierpienia psychicznego. Nie oferuje rewolucji, ale może stać się punktem wyjścia do uczciwej rozmowy ze sobą. Takie działanie bywa już początkiem realnej zmiany.
Ten typ depresji nie kojarzy się z wycofaniem czy brakiem aktywności. Częściej wiąże się z nadmierną odpowiedzialnością, perfekcjonizmem, trudnością w odpoczynku oraz utratą zdolności odczuwania satysfakcji. Osoba działa, organizuje, pomaga innym, ale wewnętrznie doświadcza pustki, napięcia i przewlekłego zmęczenia. Autorka proponuje, by spojrzeć na to zjawisko nie jako na słabość, lecz jako na sygnał, że długotrwałe ignorowanie własnych potrzeb ma swoje konsekwencje.
Joseph łączy wiedzę kliniczną z doświadczeniem własnym i relacjami pacjentów. To ważne, ponieważ temat dotyczy ludzi, którzy rzadko zgłaszają się po pomoc w pierwszej fazie trudności. Książka ma być narzędziem wczesnego rozpoznania i zatrzymania się, zanim stan pogłębi się do postaci klasycznej depresji.
Publikacja została podzielona na dwie zasadnicze części. W pierwszej autorka omawia definicję zjawiska, jego możliwe źródła oraz typowe mechanizmy funkcjonowania osób zmagających się z tym stanem. Analizuje rolę doświadczeń z przeszłości, zwłaszcza traum, oraz wpływ środowiska rodzinnego i społecznego na kształtowanie się wzorca nadmiernej odpowiedzialności. Ta część ma charakter objaśniający i porządkujący. Pomaga nazwać to, co bywa trudne do uchwycenia.
Druga część ma wymiar praktyczny. Joseph proponuje model pracy nad sobą oparty na pięciu obszarach. Dotyczą one między innymi rozpoznawania i akceptowania emocji, bezpiecznego ich wyrażania, życia w zgodzie z własnymi wartościami oraz dbania o podstawowe wskaźniki dobrostanu, takie jak sen, relacje, ruch czy higiena cyfrowa. Autorka wprowadza także ćwiczenia i kwestionariusze, które mają wspierać autorefleksję.
Zaletą tej konstrukcji jest przejrzystość. Czytelnik najpierw dostaje szansę zrozumieć mechanizm choroby, a dopiero potem otrzymuje konkretne wskazówki jak sobie z nią radzić. Jednocześnie pojawia się pytanie, czy narzędzia do samodzielnej oceny własnego stanu nie mogą prowadzić do uproszczonego wnioskowania. Autorka zaznacza, że książka nie zastępuje terapii, lecz dla części odbiorców granica między wsparciem, a autodiagnozą może być nieostra.
Język książki jest przystępny i pozbawiony nadmiaru terminologii medycznej. Joseph pisze w sposób bezpośredni, momentami osobisty. Odwołuje się do własnych doświadczeń, co buduje wiarygodność, ale też zbliża ją do czytelnika. W wielu miejscach stosuje przykłady kliniczne, które ilustrują omawiane mechanizmy.
Struktura tekstu sprzyja pracy własnej. Pojawiają się pytania do refleksji, podsumowania oraz wyodrębnione fragmenty z ćwiczeniami. Nie jest to wyłącznie opis zjawiska, lecz próba prowadzenia czytelnika przez proces uważnego przyglądania się sobie.
Jednocześnie niektóre fragmenty mogą sprawiać wrażenie uproszczonych. Złożone zagadnienia związane z traumą czy mechanizmami obronnymi są momentami przedstawione w skrócie. Dla czytelnika poszukującego pogłębionej analizy naukowej może to być niedosyt. Dla osoby, która potrzebuje pierwszego impulsu do zatrzymania się i zauważenia swoich problemów, taka forma może okazać się wystarczająca.
Najważniejsze pytanie dotyczy tego, czy książka realnie pomaga osobie, która doświadcza opisanych trudności. Wydaje się, że jej siła leży w normalizowaniu przeżyć. Uświadamia, że można być aktywnym i jednocześnie wewnętrznie wyczerpanym. Pokazuje, że poczucie winy związane z odpoczynkiem czy brak radości z dotychczasowych pasji nie muszą być oznaką lenistwa.
Dla osoby w początkowej fazie kryzysu publikacja może stanowić ważny pretekst do prowadzenia autorefleksji. Może pomóc rozpoznać schemat działania, w którym potrzeby innych konsekwentnie stawiane są ponad własnymi. Może też uporządkować myślenie o codziennych nawykach, które wspierają lub osłabiają Nas własny dobrostan.
Jednocześnie nie jest to książka, która rozwiązuje problem depresji wysokofunkcjonującej przez samą jej lekturę. W przypadku głębszych objawów konieczna jest pomoc specjalisty, co autorka konsekwentnie podkreśla. Dla części czytelników publikacja będzie pierwszym krokiem ku zmianie. Dla innych może okazać się zbyt ogólna lub wpisująca się w szeroki nurt poradników psychologicznych.
Podsumowując, jest to pozycja, która porządkuje temat mało widocznej formy cierpienia psychicznego. Nie oferuje rewolucji, ale może stać się punktem wyjścia do uczciwej rozmowy ze sobą. Takie działanie bywa już początkiem realnej zmiany.
November 22, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️½
Apparently, Dr. Judith Joseph also was an elementary school reading champ too. That's not the point of the book, but it highlights an important thing: she talks of an important phenomenon (high achieving) in a relatable way.
The 5 Vs are a great framework to bust out of the blah: Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision. They give a helpful framework that's great for those beginning their journey out, or totally in the throes of it. If I wasn't near as far in my journey, this book would've been a helpful awakening.
The line of "human being to human doing"... gold. There are so many of us out here with this, and we're not taking the time to acknowledge the toll it takes on us. Don't get it twisted, there's more conversation on these topics at the present moment. But that hasn't led to massive scale realizing and changing on our parts. That's where this book comes in with actionable steps, real-life examples, and the process for progress out of HFD (High Functioning Depression).
Check out if you're beginning your journey, or, like me, if you see it in your local library. Thanks HCPL!
Apparently, Dr. Judith Joseph also was an elementary school reading champ too. That's not the point of the book, but it highlights an important thing: she talks of an important phenomenon (high achieving) in a relatable way.
The 5 Vs are a great framework to bust out of the blah: Validation, Venting, Values, Vitals, and Vision. They give a helpful framework that's great for those beginning their journey out, or totally in the throes of it. If I wasn't near as far in my journey, this book would've been a helpful awakening.
The line of "human being to human doing"... gold. There are so many of us out here with this, and we're not taking the time to acknowledge the toll it takes on us. Don't get it twisted, there's more conversation on these topics at the present moment. But that hasn't led to massive scale realizing and changing on our parts. That's where this book comes in with actionable steps, real-life examples, and the process for progress out of HFD (High Functioning Depression).
Check out if you're beginning your journey, or, like me, if you see it in your local library. Thanks HCPL!
Want to read
October 16, 2025As heard on Self-Conscious with Chrissy Teigen (Dr. Judith Joseph: Childhood Trauma and How to Recognize High-Functioning Depression)
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/5b231c...
In this raw and revelatory episode of Self-Conscious, we talk about the kind of depression that hides behind a perfect Instagram feed. High-functioning depression doesn't leave you sobbing in bed—it shows up in overachievement, relentless busyness, and emotional numbness. Chrissy sits down with psychiatrist and author Dr. Judith Joseph for a conversation that starts in the mind and ends in the body—with tears, breakthroughs, and healing. In one of the most vulnerable interviews she’s ever done, Chrissy shares a gut-wrenching admission about childhood trauma that changed the course of her life, why she doesn’t trust her own emotions, and what it’s like to raise kids while still healing herself. This isn’t just a discussion—it’s a reckoning. Together, Chrissy and Dr. Judith unpack the science, psychology, and strategies for finally naming the pain and finding your way back to joy.
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
This episode contains discussions about trauma, including sexual abuse and emotional neglect. Listener discretion is advised.
See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
https://rss.art19.com/episodes/5b231c...
January 20, 2026
This book is for people who are looking to self-diagnose as high-functioning, not those who have been actively diagnosed with depression and showcase high-functioning behaviors. To be more precise, it's for hardworkers and overachievers who want to be reminded that they, too, can be depressed!
Seriously, this book offers so little value that I can't believe it was published by an actual psychiatrist. The vast majority of this book is spent regaling the various ways people can be depressed and traumatized without even realizing it. In fact, I found it so painful to sit through that I had to ultimately skim Part 1. When I finally got to Part 2, the section that is supposed to present the reader with ways to overcome their depression, I was again disappointed by how little this book has to offer in terms of new or interesting research on depression. Throughout part 2, the author again spends most of her time delving into stories about how people from different racial and economic backgrounds might not know they're depressed instead of sharing valuable tools for overcoming depression. For example, the one exercise offered in the "validation" section is to write yourself a validating letter.
I'm not denying that the things she's identified as important for patients aren't important. I mean, do think more validation could fix me, but even the fact her recommendations can all be neatly packed and marketed under the label "the 5 V's of healing" (validation, venting, values, vitals, and vision) makes me suspicious of how much value this book was actually supposed to offer readers.
If this book helped you self-diagnose, great. I can't emphasize enough how badly you should get to a therapist and psychiatrist. The tools presented in this book are so blunt that they will do nothing to cut through your depression.
Happy first DNF of the year to me!
Seriously, this book offers so little value that I can't believe it was published by an actual psychiatrist. The vast majority of this book is spent regaling the various ways people can be depressed and traumatized without even realizing it. In fact, I found it so painful to sit through that I had to ultimately skim Part 1. When I finally got to Part 2, the section that is supposed to present the reader with ways to overcome their depression, I was again disappointed by how little this book has to offer in terms of new or interesting research on depression. Throughout part 2, the author again spends most of her time delving into stories about how people from different racial and economic backgrounds might not know they're depressed instead of sharing valuable tools for overcoming depression. For example, the one exercise offered in the "validation" section is to write yourself a validating letter.
I'm not denying that the things she's identified as important for patients aren't important. I mean, do think more validation could fix me, but even the fact her recommendations can all be neatly packed and marketed under the label "the 5 V's of healing" (validation, venting, values, vitals, and vision) makes me suspicious of how much value this book was actually supposed to offer readers.
If this book helped you self-diagnose, great. I can't emphasize enough how badly you should get to a therapist and psychiatrist. The tools presented in this book are so blunt that they will do nothing to cut through your depression.
Happy first DNF of the year to me!
June 11, 2025
I received an audiocopy via Libro.Fm as an ALC and finally had the chance to listen to it. Normally this wouldn't be a book I would be drawn to, as even though my area of research is burnout and well-being, I don't usually go for books that seem to focus on a potential clinical diagnosis (depression/anxiety), as I'm not a clinician. But, I was intrigued by the title. I've come across "high functioning depression" in social media posts, blogs, etc., but hadn't seen it in a formal, legit source previously.
I'm glad I read it -- even though I scored low (a "1") on her HFD scale, there's some great info in here that is applicable to everyone, regardless of how severe or non-existent your HFD may be. I initially thought it may be a little gimmicky/trying to paint with a giant brush to diagnose everyone with high functioning depression, but I was glad I was wrong and that wasn't the case. She provides examples that will resonate with a lot of audiences (whether they work for a large company, are self-employed, or stay at home), recognizes that PTSD can occur for a variety of reasons (not just "big T traumas"), and provides suggestions that actually seem feasible for most people and wouldn't get them fired (unlike other books that tell people to start declining meetings and projects they don't have time for, which isn't something most employees can do).
Overall, a good, quick read with actionable advice.
Thanks to Libro.Fm and the publisher for the ALC!
I'm glad I read it -- even though I scored low (a "1") on her HFD scale, there's some great info in here that is applicable to everyone, regardless of how severe or non-existent your HFD may be. I initially thought it may be a little gimmicky/trying to paint with a giant brush to diagnose everyone with high functioning depression, but I was glad I was wrong and that wasn't the case. She provides examples that will resonate with a lot of audiences (whether they work for a large company, are self-employed, or stay at home), recognizes that PTSD can occur for a variety of reasons (not just "big T traumas"), and provides suggestions that actually seem feasible for most people and wouldn't get them fired (unlike other books that tell people to start declining meetings and projects they don't have time for, which isn't something most employees can do).
Overall, a good, quick read with actionable advice.
Thanks to Libro.Fm and the publisher for the ALC!
February 18, 2026
„Wysokofunkcjonująca depresja. 5 kroków ku zdrowiu” autorstwa Judith Joseph to publikacja, która porusza niezwykle istotny, a wciąż rzadko omawiany temat - depresję, której… nie widać. Tę, która nie zatrzymuje nas w łóżku, nie odbiera zdolności do pracy czy realizowania obowiązków, ale sprawia, że wszystko odbywa się jakby bez emocji. Wstajemy, działamy, pomagamy innym, a w środku czujemy zmęczenie, napięcie i brak sensu.
Autorka łączy wiedzę naukową z historiami pacjentów oraz własnym doświadczeniem. W przystępny sposób pokazuje, jak rozpoznać sygnały, które często bagatelizujemy: życie na „trybie zadaniowym”, nieustanne poczucie odpowiedzialności, trudność w odczuwaniu radości czy wyrzuty sumienia, gdy próbujemy odpocząć. To książka o ludziach, którzy dla świata są „ogarnięci”, a po cichu gasną.
Najcenniejsza część? Pięć konkretnych etapów pracy nad sobą. To nie są puste slogany, lecz realne wskazówki pomagające lepiej zrozumieć własne emocje, rozładować skumulowany stres i nauczyć się wsłuchiwać w potrzeby ciała. Autorka zachęca, by zdjąć z siebie presję bycia zawsze silnym. By pozwolić sobie na słabość. By przestać ratować wszystkich wokół i wreszcie zatroszczyć się o siebie.
To lektura, która nie ocenia lecz daje ulgę. Pokazuje, że można funkcjonować „dobrze” na zewnątrz i jednocześnie potrzebować wsparcia. I że to wcale się nie wyklucza. Dla mnie to książka ważna, otwierająca oczy i ucząca łagodności wobec samej siebie.
Autorka łączy wiedzę naukową z historiami pacjentów oraz własnym doświadczeniem. W przystępny sposób pokazuje, jak rozpoznać sygnały, które często bagatelizujemy: życie na „trybie zadaniowym”, nieustanne poczucie odpowiedzialności, trudność w odczuwaniu radości czy wyrzuty sumienia, gdy próbujemy odpocząć. To książka o ludziach, którzy dla świata są „ogarnięci”, a po cichu gasną.
Najcenniejsza część? Pięć konkretnych etapów pracy nad sobą. To nie są puste slogany, lecz realne wskazówki pomagające lepiej zrozumieć własne emocje, rozładować skumulowany stres i nauczyć się wsłuchiwać w potrzeby ciała. Autorka zachęca, by zdjąć z siebie presję bycia zawsze silnym. By pozwolić sobie na słabość. By przestać ratować wszystkich wokół i wreszcie zatroszczyć się o siebie.
To lektura, która nie ocenia lecz daje ulgę. Pokazuje, że można funkcjonować „dobrze” na zewnątrz i jednocześnie potrzebować wsparcia. I że to wcale się nie wyklucza. Dla mnie to książka ważna, otwierająca oczy i ucząca łagodności wobec samej siebie.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Książka „Wysoko funkcjonująca depresja. Pięć kroków ku zdrowiu” dr Judith Joseph to bardzo potrzebny przewodnik po temacie, o którym mało się mówi, o depresji, która nie wygląda jak depresja. Jest to określone jako „Ukryta depresja". Autorka opisuje osoby, które na zewnątrz są uśmiechnięte, wyglada na to, że mają wszystko poukładane, a jednak w środku czują pustkę, zmęczenie i brak radości z czegokolwiek.
Dr Joseph pisze prosto, często opisując swoje doświadczenia. Do czytelników zwraca się wy, albo my co na pewno ułatwia odbiór. Na początku autorka wprowadza i tłumaczy przyczyny depresji. Nawet znajdziemy tutaj krótki tekst o tym czy jest możliwość, że cierpi się na wysokofunkcjonującą depresję. Dr Joseph Judith przedstawia pięć kroków, praktycznych i możliwy do wdrożenia w codziennym życiu. Przedstawia konkretne sposoby na to, jak lepiej rozumieć swoje emocje i stawiać granice. Piszę o prostych rzeczach takich jak korzystanie z telefonu czy forma posiłków, ale po głebszej analizie mających wielki wpływ na życie.
Autorka łączy naukową wiedzę psychiatry z bardzo ludzką narracją. To pozycja, która może wam zrozumieć lepiej siebie, ale też zastanowić się czy każdy z pozoru uśmiechnięty człowiek w otoczeniu jest tak naprawdę szczęśliwy. Nie powinieście stawiać sobie diagnozy na podstawie ksiązki, ale dla niektórych będzie to dobry pierwszy krok na odzyskanie spokoju ducha.
Dr Joseph pisze prosto, często opisując swoje doświadczenia. Do czytelników zwraca się wy, albo my co na pewno ułatwia odbiór. Na początku autorka wprowadza i tłumaczy przyczyny depresji. Nawet znajdziemy tutaj krótki tekst o tym czy jest możliwość, że cierpi się na wysokofunkcjonującą depresję. Dr Joseph Judith przedstawia pięć kroków, praktycznych i możliwy do wdrożenia w codziennym życiu. Przedstawia konkretne sposoby na to, jak lepiej rozumieć swoje emocje i stawiać granice. Piszę o prostych rzeczach takich jak korzystanie z telefonu czy forma posiłków, ale po głebszej analizie mających wielki wpływ na życie.
Autorka łączy naukową wiedzę psychiatry z bardzo ludzką narracją. To pozycja, która może wam zrozumieć lepiej siebie, ale też zastanowić się czy każdy z pozoru uśmiechnięty człowiek w otoczeniu jest tak naprawdę szczęśliwy. Nie powinieście stawiać sobie diagnozy na podstawie ksiązki, ale dla niektórych będzie to dobry pierwszy krok na odzyskanie spokoju ducha.
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