Danielle Barone, LCSW

12/19/2025

The Hidden Signs of High-Functioning PTSD You Might Be Missing

When most people think of PTSD, they picture obvious symptoms. But many individuals live with high-functioning PTSD; showing up for work, caring for family, and appearing “fine” while quietly fighting the effects of trauma.

These are some of the most commonly overlooked signs:

1. Overthinking Disguised as Responsibility

Constant mental planning, replaying conversations, and anticipating worst-case scenarios can look like being detail oriented, but often reflect chronic hypervigilance.

2. Staying Busy to Avoid Emotions

A full schedule becomes a coping mechanism. Rest feels unsafe. Productivity becomes a way to outrun intrusive thoughts or emotional discomfort.

3. Emotional Numbness Masked as “Easygoing”

People may seem calm and adaptable, yet feel internally disconnected from joy, sadness, or excitement. “I’m fine” becomes automatic even when they’re not.

4. High Empathy with Weak Boundaries

People pleasing, conflict avoidance, and taking care of others first are often survival strategies learned early, not personality traits.

5. Physical Symptoms Without Explanation

Fatigue, tension, stomach issues, headaches, and sleep problems can be the body’s way of expressing what the mind has pushed down.

6. Struggling to Trust Stability

When life is going well, it can feel unfamiliar or unsafe. This may lead to constant scanning for danger, difficulty trusting relationships, or self-sabotage.

Why It’s Often Missed:

High-functioning PTSD hides behind resilience, achievement, independence, and a polished exterior. These individuals are praised for strength while silently surviving.

If You Recognize These Signs, you’re not overreacting or “just stressed.” These are valid trauma responses. Healing is possible, and you don’t need to reach a breaking point to seek support.

If this resonated, feel free to share it, someone in your network may need it more than you know.

11/11/2025

Thank you for your service!

🇺🇸

09/23/2025

https://www.facebook.com/1114876082/posts/10236231549544983/?

09/10/2025

Today is World Su***de Prevention Day! Thaink you know someone who may be struggling? Let them know they are not alone. (Su***de hotline dial 988 if needed)

***deprevention

09/08/2025

Please join us for this amazing event supporting mental health and su***de prevention.

***depreventionmonth

09/04/2025

08/18/2025

🧠😫Are you experiencing emotional burnout?

Many times, we exhaust ourselves emotionally without even realizing it. We see examples of this in our work/running a business, parenting, peer relationships, familial stressors, etc.

Burnout doesn’t always show up as pure exhaustion.
Sometimes it sneaks in quietly, and it looks like:
·      Avoiding texts.
·      Feeling numb.
·      Crying randomly.
·      Snapping over little things.

If this resonates with you, please know:
your nervous system isn’t broken.
It’s overwhelmed.

And overwhelm is your body’s way of saying, “Slow down. I’m protecting you.”

Rest isn’t lazy.
It’s necessary.
It’s medicine.

You don’t need to “push through” to prove your worth.
You’re allowed to pause.
AND by the way, you shouldn’t feel guilty taking a break!
How can you be at your best if you are CONSTANTLY GOING?

💭 Ever felt this way yourself? What do you do to manage?

08/13/2025

🧠 What’s one thing you wish more people understood about youth mental health today?

As a mental health therapist, I’ve had the profound honor of walking alongside adolescents and young adults as they navigate the deep and complex challenges of PTSD, trauma, OCD, and emotional dysregulation.

These are not just diagnoses — they are daily battles, often invisible, yet entirely consuming.

My mission is to create a space where young people feel seen, safe, and empowered to heal.

Through trauma-informed care, evidence-based practices, and authentic connection, I help clients move from survival mode into a life that feels more stable, meaningful, and self-directed.

If you work with youth or families, or simply care about this generation’s emotional well-being — let’s connect. Together, we can build a stronger network of support for those who need it most.

💬 I’d love to hear from fellow clinicians, educators, and advocates:
🧠What’s one thing you wish more people understood about youth mental health today?

08/05/2025

GREAT NEWS….I HAVE SOME OPENINGS IN MY SCHEDULE!

As a mental health therapist, I have had the pleasure of helping and enhancing the lives of those on their journey of healing and understanding.

I am now currently accepting new clients. Please call or email to book an appointment! I would love to have a quick chat about you or your child’s needs!

Specializing in OCD & anxiety, emotion regulation, trauma & PTSD in adolescents and young adults. (Offering in person and virtual Telehealth appointments)

07/04/2025

HAPPY 4th of JULY!