Signs you may have high-functioning depression – and 5 ways to fix it | Dr. Judith Joseph and Dr. Sarah Berry

from ZOE Science & Nutrition

by ZOE

Published: Thu May 01 2025

Show Notes

We often associate depression with withdrawal and low energy - but what if it hides behind a packed schedule and staying busy? Board-certified psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph joins Professor Sarah Berry to explore high-functioning depression.

Dr. Joseph explains how depression gets missed by medical professionals, explaining what’s really happening in the brain. She shares how traditional definitions of depression often overlook people who appear to be coping, leading many to go undiagnosed and unsupported.

We discuss how a busy, high-achieving lifestyle can actually mask the symptoms of depression - and even perpetuate it. Dr. Joseph, the first psychiatrist to run a lab focused on high-functioning depression, shares her latest findings on its causes, signs, and long-term impact. ZOE’s Chief Scientist Prof. Sarah Berry explains how food and the gut microbiome may hold the key to reducing these symptoms.

If this sounds familiar, Dr. Joseph introduces a quick self-test to help identify high-functioning depression - and outlines five practical strategies to begin healing, and Sarah gives you the foods that could help.

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Timecodes

Quickfire questions

How depression has changed

Do you have Anhedonia?

What is high functioning depression?

3 categories you should understand

The risk of being busy all the time

How to cultivate joy and purpose

Why men are at increased risk