Two types of frustration: immediate reaction and endogenous repression

Frustration

Depression can be broadly categorized into two types: "immediate reaction" and "intrinsic repression." We have all experienced depression at some point due to life's unexpected events. For example, unemployment, the death of a loved one, or chronic illness can all cause temporary feelings of despondency; this is what is known as "immediate reaction" depression, meaning it's a general response to a specific stressful event.

Women seem to experience "endogenous repressed" depression four times more often than men. No one knows the exact reason, but one possible factor is the different societal expectations placed on men and women. Men can express dissatisfaction with the pressures placed upon them, but women are different; maintaining a ladylike demeanor at all times requires women to suppress hostile emotions. If women consistently hide their true feelings and face pressure in the way society expects, depression is a natural consequence. Furthermore, genetics plays a significant role. If you are currently facing or have faced a series of depressions, there is a 40% to 50% chance that your family members-parents, siblings, or grandparents-have also faced similar struggles. The most likely culprits are usually female family members; does this also mean that women have a higher prevalence of dominant depression genes?

Many studies suggest that while genetics and social stress are linked to depression, the real cause lies in biological factors. The female hypothalamus is more sensitive to changes in nerve cells caused by certain chemicals; therefore, it's highly likely that depression is an emotion resulting from the interaction of these three factors. However, whatever the reason, it's certain that women are often more prone to feelings of depression.

"Endogenous repressed" depression is generally believed to be caused by abnormal brain secretion. Unlike "immediate reaction" depression, it's difficult to find a clear cause for "endogenous repressed" depression. Often, these patients don't know exactly what's wrong, so they are prone to feelings of guilt and it affects their sleep habits-sleeping only a few hours a night, sleeping for over ten hours straight, experiencing low libido, poor appetite, or excessive appetite. Another characteristic of "endogenous repressed" depression is its regularity; it seems to occur at a fixed time every day. People with "immediate reaction" depression don't experience significant mood swings throughout the day, sometimes better, sometimes worse, entirely dependent on external stimuli. However, patients with "endogenous repressed" depression seem to follow a fixed pattern of mood changes. For example, some people wake up happy, then their mood worsens, while others experience the opposite: they may be enthusiastic during the day but go to bed at night filled with fear, imagining all sorts of miserable situations they might face the next day. This feeling of frustration may last for months or even years, or it may suddenly disappear and then reappear like a fog after some time.

Those who have only experienced "immediate reaction" depression will find it difficult to understand the situation of those suffering from "endogenous repression" depression. People with "immediate reaction" depression often offer advice like, "Quickly break free from that narrow-minded thinking!" or "Exercise more, read more books, make more friends, and you won't feel depressed." But why can't those with "endogenous repression" depression control themselves? In fact, those with "endogenous repression" depression also try to get rid of their depression. Exercise, reading, or small group therapy might alleviate the situation slightly, but the depression can never be eradicated. As one patient once said, "I have two moods-depression and blankness. When I don't feel depressed, my mind is blank."

Two chemicals in brain secretions are associated with repressed depression: norepinephrine and serotonin. Currently, no research confirms a direct link between them. Is repressed depression caused by a lack of ability to utilize these secretions, or by insufficient secretion? Regardless of the true cause, an imbalance in the secretion of these two hormones appears to be the root cause of repressed depression. In recent years, many physiologists have treated repressed depression with antidepressants with considerable success. This suggests that repressed depression may be influenced by bodily chemical secretions rather than psychological processes. While antidepressants are ineffective against immediate-response depression, they are highly effective against repressed depression, alleviating or even eliminating approximately 80% of symptoms.

Antidepressants are easily misunderstood, as many people mistake them for stimulants or sleeping pills. This is incorrect. They do not suppress emotions or cause euphoria; they simply balance endocrine function, restoring normalcy. After taking antidepressants, patients may experience a disappearance of apathy and may be able to cope with situations they previously felt helpless with a more cheerful mood. Generally healthy individuals will not experience any changes after taking antidepressants, but may experience side effects such as dry mouth or constipation. These side effects are unlike those of marijuana or cocaine. Antidepressants are a boon for those suffering from "endogenous repression" depression, as they have no effect when endocrine function is normal, and have a restorative effect when endocrine function is abnormal.

Since "endogenous repressive" depression is caused by genetic and endocrine factors, can exercise have a therapeutic effect? ​​Can it improve the patient's condition? The answer is yes.

Most physiologists advocate that any effective treatment plan must include exercise. Exercise definitely works on "immediate reaction" depression and also has a therapeutic effect on moderate "endogenous repressive" depression. Many psychiatrists report that running three times a week has a similar therapeutic effect on moderate "endogenous repressive" depression as traditional psychotherapy. For many men, exercise is the best way to maintain a good mood because it elevates emotions, perhaps because it stimulates the release of endorphins, reducing "pain." In other words, when people are in a state of exercise...

It will stimulate the body's secretions to "heal" itself.

Exercise not only alters your endocrine system but also triggers numerous psychological changes. As you gain more confidence, your mindset and attitude transform. At any time, as long as you are determined, practice consistently, and maintain your belief, you will feel in control. Learn to replace all negative thoughts with positive ones. Women often face setbacks in their fight for equality, but through exercise, women can gain an irreplaceable sense of inner equality. Through exercise, you too can feel in control and live a more meaningful life.

When you're feeling down, it can be hard to think about exercising. But if exercise has become a habit, you'll spontaneously go outside for a run, swim, or bike ride, even if you don't really want to. Some things might make you sad, but you know exercise can help you get through a low mood. However, if you don't have a regular exercise routine, you're even less likely to be motivated. In this case, you need a friend to help you overcome your laziness. If you know you'll be feeling down at a certain time of day, you can have a friend exercise with you during that time, but choose carefully! Remember, you don't need a competitor or a coach; you just need someone to encourage you.