Sometimes the happiest smiles hide the deepest struggles.
As flowers bloomed this March, you’d expect my spirits to rise. Yet, I was fighting a silent, invisible battle. Outwardly, everything looked fine—I managed all my family duties flawlessly. Inwardly, however, I felt my inner spark extinguish.
Despite my usual drive, I struggled to maintain motivation. Normally, the quintessential get-shit-done kind of girl, I was embarrassed as I watched Mikelle cover for my lapses. I was haunted by a growing disappointment in myself and a persistent fear of not being good enough.
If someone had told me I was depressed, I would have scoffed at them. A good friend of mine lost her life to depression, I know what it looks like. And it did not look like me. I got out of bed every day. I showered. I kept my family flourishing. My house was tidy and my dog got walked.
Yet, despite appearing functional, I was far from it. A recent podcast episode by Mel Robbins on High Functioning Depression opened my eyes—it’s a real, though often unrecognized condition and not officially in the diagnostic manual. It manifests when someone manages daily life outwardly but battles complete joylessness within. Think of it as treading water: from the shore – it looks like you’re swimming, but really, you’re just trying to keep your head above water.
I’m sharing this with you because high-functioning depression often goes unnoticed. Too many of us tough it out alone, thinking this is just how life has to be. But that’s not the case.
I’m learning that it’s okay to not have your stuff together all the time. And it’s okay to ask for help.
This week’s newsletter is dedicated to anyone who might be silently struggling. We encourage you not only to seek help, but also to arm yourself with knowledge and resources. You can start here to learn more about high-functioning depression and discover strategies to help you find some ease…
LISTEN To This
Mel Robbins: 7 Signs You May Have High Functioning Depression. Think you’re too busy to be depressed? In this episode, Mel Robbins and Dr. Judith Joseph explore the hidden signs of high-functioning depression. They delve into how it affects those who seem to have it all, from disguised exhaustion to a daily lack of joy. This episode is for anyone who keeps pushing on, despite feeling internally unmoored. LISTEN TODAY
LEARN About This
Depression becomes more common in perimenopause. The stats show that 28% of women without prior depression and 58% with a history of it will face it again. While it’s easy to overlook the emotional symptoms of perimenopause, understanding them is crucial. This article explores why hormones can trigger depression and offers coping strategies to improve your well-being. READ TODAY
LAUGH Out Loud
Because we could all use a good belly laugh… @nikkiglaser’s epic roast is a MUST see! Her sharp wit as she puts these impressive men in their place is simply brilliant. Stick around for the finale – a show-stopping, mic-dropping comedy knockout! We’ve been laughing all day. 🤣 LAUGH YOUR ASS OFF
We Really LOVE
Insight Timer App Imagine a meditation guru, breath coach and a sleep whisperer all rolled into one app. With 190,000+ FREE expert-guided meditations, music tracks, sound baths, and breath and yoga classes, there’s something for everyone. I use it nightly to help me sleep and the Stress & Anxiety courses have been a lifeline for me this spring. Did we mention it’s FREE? DOWNLOAD TODAY
As we wrap up this edition, remember that beneath the surface, many of us are facing struggles that aren’t immediately visible. Sometimes, even those who seem to have it all are actually struggling to find joy.
Understanding and addressing these silent battles is so important, now more than ever. Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way, and it’s important to seek help.
If you know someone who might be struggling, please share this newsletter with them. Together, armed with knowledge we find the courage to ask for support when we need it.
Until next time, take care of yourself.
xoxo,
Mikelle and MichellE
