Are You 'High-Functioning' but Secretly Depressed? (Psychiatrist Explains)

Are you struggling to support a friend's mental health crisis while battling your own? This essential episode of Ask Kati Anything dives deep into setting healthy boundaries in tough friendships, tackling the crucial question of how to protect your peace without guilt. We also explore the often-misunderstood journey of relapse and recovery, the profound search for meaning when life feels empty due to depression, and offer vital insights into eating disorders at different life stages, from early struggles to fears about pregnancy and being a role model. Plus, discover whether day-to-day anxiety truly serves a purpose, how to navigate a forgetful therapist, and the emotional impact of chronic illness and bullying. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Episode Timestamps: 00:44 - q1  What to do when supporting a struggling friend begins to trigger your own pain. 08:31 - q2  Could you talk about best practices for staying out of the hospital and about the stigma around relapse and recovery? 17:00 - q3  How can any meaning in life be found when it takes action to find meaning? 21:59 - q4  I'm almost 28 years old and have been struggling with anorexia for six years and eating disorder behaviors for more than half my life. 29:26 - q5  I was wondering if I have an eating disorder. 33:51 - q6  Does day-to-day anxiety actually serve a purpose like other emotions? 38:16 - q7  Can you please talk about therapy and how to handle a forgetful therapist? 42:47 - q8  Could you cover the correlation of chronic illnesses or chronic pain like a leg disability... and mental health issues? Ask Kati Anything ep. 283 |  your weekly mental health podcast hosted by licensed marriage and family therapist Kati Morton, where she answers your most pressing mental health questions with compassion, expertise, and actionable advice. Support Our Show by Checking Out Our Sponsors We're able to bring you these important conversations thanks to the support of our incredible sponsors. Please take a moment to visit them and learn more about what they offer! BetterHelp - Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://www.betterhelp.com/katipod October 10th is World Mental Health Day, and BetterHelp is celebrating the therapists who make healing possible. If you're ready to find the right therapist for you, BetterHelp can help you start that journey. Blissy - as a listener, receive your 60 nights risk-free plus an additional 30% off when you shop at https://blissy.com/askkatipod and use code askkatipod MY BOOKS Traumatized   https://geni.us/Bfak0j   Are u ok?    https://geni.us/sva4iUY  PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman |  [email protected] DISCLAIMER The information provided in this video is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any health problem or disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Viewing this content does not establish a therapist-client relationship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, I'm answering your top questions on trauma recovery, emotional processing, and breaking free from mental blocks. I'm diving deep into how to move out of functional freeze and start feeling again, what structure is actually needed in therapy sessions, and the hard but essential first steps of eating disorder recovery. We also discuss the severe emotional impact of failed suicide attempts, techniques for determining if a memory is real or false, and why your nervous system makes you push away safe people and loved ones. If you've felt stuck in survival mode or questioned your own recollections, this video offers practical grounding techniques and trauma-informed healing advice. ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month)While I do not currently offer online therapy, this episode's sponsor BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/katipod Today's questions: 00:42 - How to get out of a functional free state and start to feel and process emotions again. 04:46 - I have a question about structure and goals in therapy... Is a specific plan and structure needed? 12:42 - I hope you're not tired of hearing me dance around my eating disorder behaviors, but I'm a little lost. Is this the way most eating disorder recovery starts? 20:13 - I'm still stuck in survival mode, which I thought would go away by moving out earlier. 24:06 - I have a question about trauma and false memories... How do I know when or if something is a false memory? 29:13 - Can you talk about the effects of failed suicide attempts? Is it possible to have trauma from an attempt even if you weren't hospitalized? 31:33 - Can you talk a bit about what a therapist takes notes about during a session? 37:53 - What are best ways to cope with triggers and panic attacks in school? 42:36 - I puffer fish the people closest to me, and I don't know why I keep doing it. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Ask Kati Anything | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton LMFT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

High-functioning depression is a silent struggle for many. Are you walking through life, feeling overwhelmed, but still managing to keep it all together? Dr. Joseph shares insights from her groundbreaking, peer-reviewed study, the first of its kind on high-functioning depression. She explains why many people with depression symptoms continue to function, showing up to work and managing their responsibilities, often while wearing a mask to hide their pain. They may not experience joy or pleasure, a symptom known as anhedonia, which can be a key indicator of this condition. Episode sponsors: • BABBEL Get up to 55% OFF: https://www.babbel.com/kati • MINT MOBILE Premium wireless service for just $15 a month. https://www.mintmobile.com/kati • HEADSPACE Receive a free 60-day trial: https://www.headspace.com/askkati My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Our conversation challenges the traditional medical approach to mental health, which often requires a person to reach a point of crisis before they can receive a diagnosis or treatment. We explore why this "wait until you're at stage four" mentality is so flawed and how we can instead adopt a preventative mindset, similar to what we see in cardiology. We also dive into the fascinating link between past trauma and the need to be constantly busy. Dr. Joseph’s research shows that high-functioning individuals often avoid dealing with their pain by taking on more work and distracting themselves. In this episode: 00:46 - What is High-Functioning Depression? 02:47 - The connection between trauma, being busy, and high-functioning depression 04:21 - The medical field's narrow definition of trauma 07:12 - The idea of "white knuckling" life 08:32 - The difference between happiness and joy 11:23 - The importance of small moments of joy 14:16 - Using the Bio-Psychosocial Model to find joy 25:50 - The significance of body and emotional awareness 27:50 - The impact of social media and technology 31:53 - The importance of in-person connection 37:48 - The future of AI in therapy 40:39 - The connection between people-pleasing, perfectionism, and trauma 45:54 - Why people return to abusive relationships 48:38 - A 5-step model for finding joy 53:40 - The joy of writing and creative work Order Dr. Judith Joseph's book, High-Functioning: https://amzn.to/3Iotjvx Kati's Main Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton#podcast #psychology #drjudithjoseph KATI'S BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://www.betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kati Morton, LMFT sits down with Jordan Leigh—mental health advocate, entrepreneur, and fiancée of Montreal Canadiens NHL star Patrik Laine—for a candid look behind the scenes of professional sports and personal struggle. Jordan shares the unseen emotional weight of loving someone in the public eye: the fear of injury, the pressure to stay strong, and the mental health impact of being the steady one when your partner can't be. They also talk about her non-profit From Us to You, the mental toll of unpredictability, and how real support goes beyond just “being there.” EPISODE SPONSOR Thank you to today's sponsor Vegamour! Go to https://www.vegamour.com/kati code KATI for 20% off your first order! Whether you're an athlete’s partner, a high achiever carrying too much, or just someone looking for a truly honest conversation about love and mental health—this one’s for you. Ask Kati Anything ep. 260 with Jordan Leigh | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK! Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ 🧠 Learn more about From Us to You: https://fromustoyou.com/ https://www.youtube.com/@UC1LJUpc-SRnWFHqQbioMRyQ https://www.instagram.com/lifebyjordanleigh/ Kati's Main Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shane Dawson and Ryland Adams join licensed therapist Kati Morton for an unfiltered and heartfelt deep dive into their relationship. From their awkward first date and sleep divorce setup to parenting twins and surviving cancel culture, nothing is off-limits in this revealing episode of Ask Kati Anything. EPISODE SPONSOR BABBEL - Get up to 55% off at https://www.Babbel.com/KATI We talk about love languages, fights, co-parenting, therapy breakthroughs, and how their relationship evolved from their first date to building a family. Shane opens up about his mental health, creative rebirth, and fatherhood, while Ryland shares how communication, trust, and humor keep their bond strong. Whether you're in a relationship, navigating parenthood, or just here for the stories—this episode delivers plenty of “OMG did he really just say that?” moments. *** PRE-ORDER MY NEW BOOK *** Why Do I Keep Doing This? https://geni.us/XoyLSQ 📺 Watch more episodes: Ryland Adams: My Biggest YouTube Regrets https://youtu.be/JZrNvO64yYw Shane Dawson: YouTube, Cancellation & Fatherhood https://youtu.be/f_dbaCD9ouA Follow Shane & Ryland: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hQ8DpeKzZE https://www.youtube.com/@shanehttps://www.youtube.com/@Shane2/videos Kati's Main Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@Katimorton ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] #podcast #rylandadams #shanedawson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful episode of Ask Kati Anything, licensed therapist and YouTube mental health advocate Kati Morton answers vulnerable audience questions about living without hope, healing from lifelong trauma, and navigating emotional burnout. We explore how to break free from chronic emotional numbness, cope with retraumatization in unsafe environments, and rebuild a sense of purpose when life feels stagnant or meaningless. Kati offers expert insight on topics like maladaptive coping strategies, therapy attachment wounds, and the overwhelming grief that comes from invisible disabilities and complex PTSD. Episode Sponsor: Liquid I.V. - Use the promo code KATI For 20% OFF! https://www.liquid-iv.com Audience questions for Ask Kati Anything ep. 268 1. I'd like to hear what you have to say about living without hope. My therapist and I have been... 00:01:18 2. Hey Kati, I’m a 25F with ASD. I have been abused by over 50 people (after reaching 50 I stopped counting) in almost every way imaginable, even by people who were supposed to love and/or protect me, even by therapists and teachers, from when I was 4 years old until recently. I don’t even really know what the word “safe” means. I have helped or held space for many people dealing with pain and grief, but I never learned how to receive help for myself. I was shamed and physically punished by my parents for even the smallest acts of self-care, self-soothing or my ASD symptoms themselves... 00:09:27 3. How do I get past the fact that therapy itself requires an imbalance of intimacy and sharing and just overall is not an organic give and take relationship? 00:18:07 4. How to stop obsessing over the world we live in….and how scary it’s becoming for our children. 00:25:12 5. I feel like I have nothing exciting to look forward to. This has been ongoing for years. 00:29:38 6. How can you cope with re traumatisation when you can't get out of the situation? 00:33:49 7. Is it possible for untreated mental illness to be traumatizing? I think I had a period of depression for a few months when I was 12-13ish, but I never told anyone and would always say I was fine when asked. I was functional enough to shower, eat, do school... 00:33:49 My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Are you struggling with depression, self-sabotage, or anxiety that no one else can see? In this deeply honest episode of Ask Katie Anything, licensed therapist Kati Morton explains what high functioning depression really feels like and why you might feel so empty inside, even when life looks “perfect” on the outside. We’ll explore how childhood trauma, emotional neglect, and attachment wounds shape your mental health today — and how they’re connected to self-sabotage, memory gaps, and anxiety symptoms like itching or shaking. Kati shares practical steps to break free from guilt, reconnect with yourself, and start healing. My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. Ask Kati Anything ep. 270 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT EPISODE SPONSORS: VEGAMOUR - Thank you to today's sponsor Vegamour! Go to https://www.vegamour.com/kati code KATI for 20% off your first order! LIQUID IV - Thank you to https://www.liquid-iv.com for sponsoring mental health content! USE THE PROMO CODE KATI For 20% OFF! Questions & timestamps 1. Could you talk about high-functioning depression and what it really looks like? For context, I feel like I have a “perfect” life; supportive parents, a stable home, pets, a car, and all the basic things I need to live comfortably. I haven’t experienced any trauma, and from the outside, everything seems fine... 00:00:43 2. I accept my flaws and want to grow, but I zone out or give up easily. I’ve been stagnant in my studies for 3 years. How do I build real, lasting change when it feels so hard to even begin? 00:12:07 3. I’ve recently realized there are a lot of things I do not remember about my childhood. My sibling was sharing stories and kept looking at me asking, “Do you remember that?” and I rarely did. We lived in the same house so how does she remember so much more than me? 00:17:49 4. Could you please explain why people itch when they are anxious? It's something I have recently started doing without even knowing it was related to my mental health. Could you please tell me why we do this? And how we might be able to stop? Thank you love your videos and podcasts! 00:22:29 5. My question is about attachment regarding military life, having a parent unavailable but not by choice. I often hear you mention your dad being gone for work frequently when you were a child and how you believe it has an effect on your upbringing. My dad was in the military for 25 years and was often gone during my childhood—not for super long periods (maybe 4 months max), but he left and returned so often... 00:29:11 6. I’ve been on a healing journey in the last 2 years in trauma therapy. I’ve worked a lot on myself with the big challenge of feeling my own feelings. I’ve learned to sit with my feelings and finally felt safe with my therapist. I’ve set boundaries with family, lost relationships, and even lost a pet during therapy... 00:38:59 7. My old therapist is having a baby and I will no longer be able to see her. She has been so helpful and I have been able to move on from her in the past (when I “graduated” DBT). All of the therapists I have had since seeing her don’t quit live up. It’s possible that she’s my favorite person. How do I move forward with my life? 00:42:31 ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Mental Cost of Fighting Misinformation: Professor Dave opens up in this honest conversation, Dave Farina from the YouTube channel Professor Dave Explains shares the personal toll of dedicating his life to fighting misinformation and educating millions online. As one of YouTube's most prominent science educators, Dave reveals the mental health challenges that come with constant content creation and defending scientific truth in today's polarized world. Dave discusses how his work ethic has evolved from healthy productivity to potential burnout, the emotional strategies he's developed to handle daily harassment, and why he feels compelled to continue despite the personal cost. This conversation offers valuable insights for content creators, educators, and anyone interested in the psychology of online advocacy. EPISODE SPONSOR: BABBEL - Get up to 55% off at https://www.Babbel.com/KATI ------ My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. ------ Key Topics Discussed: The transition from musician to full-time science educator and debunker How constant work has rewired his brain and affected his ability to disconnect Strategies for emotional detachment when facing online harassment and threats The mental health impact of fighting misinformation as a career Balancing family life with a demanding content creation schedule Why he feels a sense of duty to continue despite burnout The broader societal implications of the "post-truth era" Practical advice for creators dealing with online negativity This episode provides a rare look into the personal sacrifices and psychological resilience required to be an effective science communicator in the digital age. Resources: If you're interested in creator psychology, science education, or the fight against misinformation, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on the human cost of online advocacy. Check out Dave Farina's channel https://www.youtube.com/@ProfessorDaveExplains Ask Kati Anything ep. 271 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT MY BOOKS Why Do I Keep Doing This? (pre-order) https://geni.us/XoyLSQ Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today's episode I explain why you struggle to trust yourself and share the simple strategy to rebuild self-trust. I'll help you identify healthy vs unhealthy attachment to your therapist, recognize when you're protecting yourself in therapy, and understand the root causes of intimacy fears. I also cover different therapeutic styles, OCD vs OCD-like tendencies, and practical tips for developing secure attachment patterns. In this episode of Ask Kati Anything, I address six of your questions about self-trust, therapy struggles, and mental health challenges. Whether you're feeling stuck in life, questioning your therapeutic relationship, or dealing with intrusive thoughts, I provide actionable insights for your healing journey. SPONSOR: Liquid IV - Go to https://www.LIQUIDIV.COM and get 20% off your first order with code KATI at checkout! Key Topics I Discuss • My promise-keeping method for building self-trust • Signs of healthy vs unhealthy therapist attachment • Why some therapists avoid deep work (and what to do about it) • Understanding protection vs control in therapy • Root causes of intimacy fears and how to overcome them • OCD symptoms vs OCD-like tendencies explained Timestamps 0:00 Introduction 0:30 Q1: How to learn to trust yourself 5:46 Q2: Healthy vs unhealthy therapist attachment 11:09 Q3: Therapist not focusing on root issues 17:02 Q4: Controlling everything in therapy 25:04 Q5: Fears of intimacy and healthy attachments 34:07 Q6: OCD vs OCD-like tendencies 40:01 Closing thoughts Ask Kati Anything ep. 272 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFTMy new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY CHANNEL MEMBERSHIP https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzBYOHyEEzlkRdDOSobbpvw/join ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kandee Johnson was sleeping just 2 hours a night at the height of her YouTube fame - juggling content creation, brand deals, and raising 4 kids as a single mom. In this honest conversation, she shares what that lifestyle really cost her and that health issues eventually forced her to step away.From having 13 cents in her bank account to becoming YouTube's biggest beauty creator, Kandee opens up about the reality behind the success. She talks about the exhaustion, the constant travel, editing videos until 4 AM, and how her body eventually said "enough." SPONSORS: To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: Warby Parker - https://www.warbyparker.com/KATI Mint Mobile — Get 3 months of unlimited premium wireless for just $15/month → https://www.mintmobile.com/kati My new book is available for pre-order: Why Do I Keep Doing This? → https://geni.us/XoyLSQ If you’ve ever felt stuck, this book is for you. I’d be so grateful for your support. What you'll hear in this episode How she went from broke single mom to YouTube success The reality of sleeping 2-4 hours a night for years Why she was working 16-hour days constantly Health issues that made her take a break Her honest thoughts on social media and "doom scrolling" Why she turned down millions in brand deals for integrity What she learned during her time away from YouTube TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - From 13 cents to YouTube success 12:45 - The exhaustion of constant content creation 28:30 - Behind the scenes of a YouTube career 35:20 - Health issues and stepping away 42:15 - Life during her YouTube break 48:50 - Thoughts on social media addiction 55:30 - What she'd do differently Ask Kati Anything ep. 273 | Your mental health podcast, with Kati Morton, LMFT #podcast #kandeejohnson #katimorton MY BOOKS Traumatized https://geni.us/Bfak0j Are u ok? https://geni.us/sva4iUY ONLINE THERAPY (enjoy 10% off your first month) While I do not currently offer online therapy, BetterHelp can connect you with a licensed, online therapist: https://betterhelp.com/kati PARTNERSHIPS Nick Freeman | [email protected] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices