This Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment for yourself. It’s time to check in, slow down, and rediscover what joy means.
April is National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the state of our mental well-being and recognize the importance of checking in with ourselves. As busy working professionals and parents, we often find ourselves juggling countless responsibilities—balancing work, family, social obligations, and the daily pressures of life. In doing so, we can sometimes forget to take a step back and care for our own mental health. This month serves as a powerful reminder to pause and acknowledge that taking care of our minds is just as crucial as taking care of our bodies.
Dr. Judith Joseph, a renowned psychiatrist and author of High Functioning, addresses this very issue in her groundbreaking work, focusing on what she defines as "High Functioning Depression." In a society that values productivity, achievement, and constant busyness, many individuals silently suffer from a form of depression that is not immediately obvious to the outside world. They are high achievers, excelling in their careers and personal lives, yet something feels missing. It's as though, despite their success, they are walking through life without fully experiencing joy or fulfillment.
The Hidden Struggles of High Functioning Depression
Dr. Joseph’s research, conducted in over 30 countries, sheds light on this emerging mental health phenomenon, where individuals experience symptoms of depression while outwardly appearing to thrive. High Functioning Depression is not the traditional picture of someone lying in bed unable to get out, but rather the person who constantly pushes forward, sometimes at the cost of their own well-being. They may overwork, please others, or neglect their own needs, all in an effort to maintain the illusion of control and success.
This phenomenon often leads to what Dr. Joseph calls "numbing out" from their own happiness. The constant hustle to meet expectations—whether from family, work, or society—leads to emotional burnout, a sense of emptiness, and an inability to connect with the things that once brought joy. The result is a life that feels full of obligations but lacks the emotional satisfaction we all crave.
As Dr. Joseph shares in High Functioning, this state of emotional disconnection is particularly prevalent among people-pleasers and perfectionists, who may place the needs of others above their own well-being. The drive to be "successful" in all areas of life—without acknowledging the personal toll it takes—leaves individuals feeling unfulfilled and stuck. The constant pursuit of perfection can mask the reality that something is deeply out of balance.
The Power of Happiness Science
Dr. Joseph’s findings are further supported by research from Dr. Laurie Santos, host of the popular Happiness Lab podcast. Dr. Santos, a professor at Yale University, emphasizes the science of happiness, explaining that while we are often conditioned to believe that success and external validation lead to happiness, it’s actually our daily habits and mindset that determine how fulfilled we feel. Dr. Santos encourages us to shift our focus away from achieving external milestones and, instead, cultivate habits that enhance our well-being, such as practicing gratitude, strengthening our social connections, and engaging in activities that spark joy.
Dr. Joseph’s work echoes these insights, urging individuals to embrace the importance of emotional awareness. Through her research, she has identified that people who check in with their mental health regularly are more likely to experience long-term happiness. Simply put, self-awareness and emotional intelligence are key to unlocking true joy, and making time for introspection can be one of the most powerful tools for improving mental health.
Fueling Your Body and Mind: Dr. Nate Wood’s Mind Diet
A critical component of maintaining good mental health is taking care of your body, and nutrition plays a vital role in this process. Dr. Nate Wood, a specialist from the Yale School of Medicine Culinary Medical Division, advocates for the incorporation of "brain foods" into our diets to optimize mental performance. His research on the Mind Diet, which focuses on foods that support brain health, offers practical guidance for individuals looking to enhance their cognitive function and overall happiness.
Dr. Wood’s recommendations include nutrient-rich foods such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, and fish, all of which provide essential nutrients that support the brain's ability to absorb and process information effectively. By fueling our bodies with the right foods, we can help nourish our minds, making it easier to engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment.
Reclaiming Joy: A Call to Action
As we reflect on the importance of mental health this month, let us remember that we are not human doings; we are human beings. The quote, “I’m not a human doing, I’m a human being,” beautifully captures the essence of what we often forget in our fast-paced, achievement-oriented world. We get caught up in the demands of work and life, losing sight of the simple yet essential practices that foster strong mental health.
To reclaim joy and combat the risks of High Functioning Depression, it’s crucial to engage in practices that nurture our emotional and physical well-being. This includes setting aside time for relaxation, indulging in activities that bring us peace, prioritizing relationships that support us, and practicing self-compassion. It also means acknowledging when we are overextended and giving ourselves permission to take a break—something that Dr. Joseph highlights as essential for maintaining balance in our lives.
This National Mental Health Awareness Month, take a moment to check in with yourself. Ask yourself: Are you living for others, or are you living for yourself? What steps can you take today to prioritize your mental health and reclaim your joy?
By listening to the wisdom shared by experts like Dr. Joseph and by practicing self-awareness, self-care, and mindful nutrition, we can all take actionable steps to ensure our mental health is a priority. After all, joy is not something we should seek out as a distant goal; it’s something we can foster in our daily lives, and the path to it begins with understanding and nurturing our own well-being. You don't need to score a ticket to the Today Show, Good Morning America or Oprah to learn from Dr. Joseph, you can meet her, ask questions and implement real change in your life by coming to Loopwell in Montclair, NJ on April 9th. Celebrate the best version of yourself this month!