The first book to unmask the hidden face of depression. If you look fine on the outside but
don' t feel fine on the inside learn five tools to break the cycle of High Functioning
Depression and experience more joy in your life. Are you going through a period in your
life when things feel “off”? Do you struggle to find joy in happy moments? Are you walking
around feeling numb? Do you feel restless when you aren’t busy or empty when you are sitting
still? We all know what can’t-get-out-of-bed depression looks like. But there’s another
lesser-known side of depression that is hidden. Those of us with High-Functioning Depression
(HFD) usually don’t act the way we think a depressed person might. On the surface we seem
fine: We are succeeding at work pulling our weight at home and carrying on with our typical
social life. Yet behind that mask of productivity we are barely surviving and certainly not
thriving. And we may have no idea why or what to do about it. In High Functionin g Dr.
Judith Joseph draws on original research client cases and her own personal struggles with HFD
to demystify this poorly understood condition. Her five simple tools—the Five V’s—will help you
understand the science of your happiness and empower you to reclaim your life and joy.
•Validation: Acknowledge and accept your emotions about past traumas and present pain •Venting:
Let out the frustrations and anxious energy bottled up inside •Values: Identify the purpose and
priorities that matter most •Vitals: Slow down to listen to your brain and body and monitor the
six vital signs of emotional functioning •Vision: Plan for and celebrate successes milestones
and everyday joy By following the Five V’s we can put an end to self-sacrificing and
self-sabotaging calm our inner turmoil and go from merely functioning to truly living.
