A psychiatrist has observed that some of the most successful people they meet, including executives, entrepreneurs, doctors, and lawyers, are also among the most dissatisfied with life. These individuals, often seen as high achievers, may not appear unwell and are frequently relied upon by others.
The psychiatrist notes that behaviours often celebrated as resilience in society can sometimes be coping mechanisms. For example, a client named Holly, an executive in her early 40s, sought help for depressive symptoms and substance use, which she had largely concealed. Her extraordinary work ethic and ambition were noted, but she was also exhausted.
Work, for Holly, provided a sense of control and temporarily made her feel she was doing well, often working 12 hours a day to avoid thinking. The psychiatrist suggests that for some, achievement can become a necessity rather than a pursuit, where slowing down can lead to difficult emotions surfacing.
The goal in such cases is not to eliminate drive but to understand what fuels these behaviours. Questions are raised about the ability to rest without guilt, fail without feeling worthless, or feel valuable without achieving.