131. Why High Achievers Struggle to Feel Happy: Pathological Productivity & High-Functioning Depression with Dr. Judith Joseph

In today's episode, Elizabeth sits down with Dr. Judith Joseph, a board certified psychiatrist and researcher who led the first ever peer reviewed study on high functioning depression. They talk about her upbringing as a Caribbean immigrant, the pressure to be constantly high achieving, and how she ended up depressed while giving a talk on how to help others get through crisis. Dr. Judith breaks down the difference between burnout and high functioning depression, explains why so many high achievers become pathologically productive as a way to outrun unprocessed pain, and shares her five Vs framework for reclaiming joy: validation, venting, values, vital signs, and vision. They also get into phone addiction, the link between hormones and depression, and why planning joy is not as unromantic as it sounds.If you want to go DEEPER with me, my Substack is where I share even more behind-the-scenes, personal reflections, and wellness experiments, with new posts dropping every Thursday: https://substack.com/@thewellnessprocessFollow Dr. Judith Joseph:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjudithjosephWebsite: https://www.drjudithjoseph.comBook: https://www.highfunctioningbook.comFollow us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thewellnessprocesspodTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thewellnessprocessYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheWellnessProcessSponsors:Use coupon code TWP to save 15%. The website is boncharge.com.NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #adGet 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/TWP and use promo code TWP at checkout.Use code WELLNESS at Monarch.com to get your first year of Monarch Core half off at just $50.head to koraorganics.com and use code WELLNESS20 for 20% off sitewide. Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code TWP at mudwtr.com/TWP! #mudwtrpodVisit Carawayhome.com/TWP10 to take an additional 10% off your next purchase.Please note that this episode may contain paid endorsements and advertisements for products and services. Individuals on the show may have a direct or indirect financial interest in products or services referred to in this episode.Produced by Dear Media.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.