314. High Functioning Depression

You Are Not Broken

Kelly Casperson, MD

Medicine, Health & Fitness

5 • 743 Ratings

🗓️ 27 April 2025

⏱️ 51 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

In this powerful and deeply personal episode of You're Not Broken, Dr. Kelly Casperson is joined by psychiatrist Dr. Judith Joseph to unpack the complex relationship between trauma, high-functioning depression, and the systemic challenges facing both patients and providers in healthcare. Dr. Joseph shares her unique career journey from anesthesiology to psychiatry—a shift fueled by the pursuit of deeper fulfillment and connection. Drawing from her new book High Functioning, she explores how trauma can show up in unexpected ways: perfectionism, strained relationships, and even the culture of medicine itself. Together, Dr. Joseph and Dr. Casperson dive into the mental health crisis within the medical profession, the difference between complex PTSD and traditional PTSD, and why trauma-informed care must become the standard in healthcare. They highlight the need for preventative mental health care and why joy—not just happiness—is vital to healing. Key Takeaways: Dr. Judith Joseph’s new book High Functioning explores hidden depression and the masks people wear. A desire for deeper meaning and purpose sparked her transition from anesthesiology to psychiatry. Trauma can subtly impact daily life, relationships, and career satisfaction. Complex PTSD differs from traditional PTSD and requires a nuanced approach. Perfectionism may be a trauma response rooted in avoidance and fear. Many healthcare professionals operate with unresolved trauma, often unacknowledged and invalidated. The medical system itself can contribute to both patient and provider trauma. High-functioning depression is widespread but often misunderstood or overlooked. Preventative mental health care is crucial—waiting for a crisis is not sustainable. Joy is a core component of mental health, not a luxury or afterthought. Understanding one’s own trauma can make you a more effective and empathetic clinician. Identifying and naming emotions can be profoundly therapeutic. Self-care and setting boundaries are necessary acts of preservation, not selfishness. https://www.instagram.com/drjudithjoseph/ High Functioning Book by Dr. Joseph https://drjudithjoseph.com/ Sedona in October - only five slots left: https://www.ascendretreats.com/menopause-and-sexual-health-2025 Order my book "You Are Not Broken: Stop "Should-ing" All Over You Sex Life" Listen to my Tedx Talk: Why we need adult sex ed Take my Adult Sex Ed Master Class: My Website Interested in my sexual health and hormone clinic? Waitlist is open To learn more about Via vaginal moisturizer from Solv Wellness, visit via4her.com for 20% off your first order. For an additional $5 off Via, use coupon code DRKELLY5. Thanks to our sponsor Midi Women's Health. Designed by midlife experts, delivered by experienced clinicians, covered by insurance. Midi is the first virtual care clinic made exclusively for women 40+. Evidence-based treatments. Personalized midlife care. https://www.joinmidi.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Women who come to see me are leaders, role models, and nurturers. They've dedicated their lives to
0:05.8	supporting others, often at the expense of their own self-care. This is why my passion is helping
0:11.3	midlife women rediscover the confidence that comes with prioritizing their own health and well-being.
0:17.3	Vaginal dryness is a painful fact of life for so many women in menopause, but it doesn't
0:21.5	have to be yours. My first line treatment for my patients is vaginal estrogen. However, I also recommend
0:27.2	VIA by Solve Wellness. Via is a non-hormonal vaginal moisturizer, featuring hyluronic acid that
0:33.5	replenishes your body's natural moisture and is safe for daily use. This powerful duo can be an
0:39.0	important part of your self-care routine, helping you feel your best so you can continue doing
0:44.1	what you do best. To learn more about via vaginal moisturizer by Solve Wellness, visit viaforher.com.
0:50.9	That's VIA the letter for her.com, where new customers get 20% off their first purchase.
0:58.1	For an additional $5 off via, use coupon code Dr. Kelly 5. That's DR. Kelly 5.
1:08.8	Welcome to the You Are Not Broken Podcast.
1:12.0	I'm your host, Dr. Kelly Casperson, a board-certified jurologist, thought leader, and conversation starter on midlife living, hormones, and sexuality.
1:21.9	Enjoy the show.
1:23.6	Hey, everybody.
1:24.2	Welcome back to the You're Not Broken podcast talking today with my friend, Dr. Judith Joseph, about her amazing book coming out in April called High Functioning, Overcome Your Hidden Depression, and Reclaim Joy. Welcome to the podcast.
1:36.7	Oh, thank you for having me.
1:38.4	I forget, we probably met in New York at some menopause thing.
1:42.0	Yep, we were met at, I believe it was like, marvelous Mrs.
1:46.2	menopause or something like that at the World Trade Center. At the World Trade Center.
1:50.5	Yes, we're on a panel together. That was an amazing night. It was super good. So you started
1:57.0	out. I just, I'm sorry if you hate the story, but I love it. Like you are, this is, this is my version of the story. Please expunge. You're an anesthesiologist training in residency.
	...

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