Why Good People Are More Likely to Suffer from Depression: A Psychological Analysis

As the productivity of contemporary society has substantially enhanced, people’s material needs are burgeoning day by day. Consequently, in order to acquire more capital for personal consumption, individuals are increasingly burdened in social life.
Numerous individuals are “constrained” by unreasonable working hours and work systems. Concurrently, the entire society is also influenced by an aging population, high employment pressure, and a disparity in the male-to-female ratio.
Hence, in such an environment, an increasing number of people endure mental illness, with depression being the most prevalent manifestation. According to a 2012 survey conducted by the World Health Organization, there are approximately 350 million individuals worldwide suffering from depression.
A mental health survey carried out in 17 countries discovered that on average, one out of every 20 individuals has experienced or is currently experiencing depression.

Moreover, the situation is even graver in the United States, with 7% of the population grappling with depression, whereas in our country, it accounts for approximately 2% of the populace. Therefore, depression and mental illness are undoubtedly issues of utmost significance that we cannot overlook.
In accordance with pertinent psychological research and surveys conducted by scholars, those predisposed to mental disorders such as depression are precisely those individuals who are typically very “innocuous” and morally upright.
Hence, why do these honorable and responsible individuals suffer such misfortunes? Let us delve into this matter through an analysis of certain psychological theories.
Benevolent individuals inflict harm upon themselves.
Possessing a benevolent disposition, on one hand, entails considering the sentiments of others to the utmost extent during social interactions; on the other hand, it also results in experiencing a “backlash” from this behavior—friction and even conflict are inevitable when people engage with one another.

Blindly tolerating and valuing others will only subject you to the grievances caused by this negative energy. Should this persist, it will naturally breed negativity and ultimately lead to depression.
Some may question: Why can’t these individuals simply hold others accountable? This matter is intricately tied to personality and cannot be altered through mere words or phrases.
The renowned Swiss psychologist Carl Gustav Jung once introduced the notion of “introversion.”
He posited that human personality, on the whole, can be broadly categorized into two types: introversion and extroversion, akin to what is commonly referred to as introversion and extroversion.

The former tends to possess a composed temperament and is disinclined to engage with others, whereas the latter tends to be more lively and may display a greater propensity for divergent thinking.
We are aware that in social life, those considered “good-natured” individuals are often relatively composed. Simultaneously, they struggle to socialize effectively and mediate with those around them.
Consequently, they inadvertently find themselves ensnared in a state akin to a “passive personality” or an “altruistic personality,” which ultimately results in their mistreatment.
In reality, regardless of one’s personality, when confronted with troubles or dissatisfaction during interactions with others, there is no need to be concerned about preserving others’ face or maintaining one’s own image, and so forth.

In fact, remaining silent holds no consequence, as it is inherent in human nature to lose one’s temper when in a foul mood, and there is nothing worth evading.
Granted, making abrupt changes can prove exceedingly challenging, yet once you comprehend the origins of these matters, your guard may relax ever so slightly.
Symbolic catharsis and self-guidance.
Thus, as previously mentioned, when it becomes necessary to appropriately vent one’s negative emotions, how ought one vent in a suitable and manageable manner? Let us explore the concept of “symbolic catharsis.”
The so-called “symbolic catharsis,” also referred to as “symbolic venting,” represents a psychological concept. In most cases, it is employed within the realm of clinical psychological counseling, often guiding patients to vent their emotions in a targeted manner, releasing the negative emotions that have long been suppressed within their hearts.
For instance, the widely recognized “empty chair therapy” entails having the patient sit on a chair while placing another empty chair beside them. The patient is then encouraged to envision the empty chair as the seat occupied by the individual they wish to vent their feelings towards, and subsequently, to boldly express their emotions.
Numerous “good-natured” individuals fear hurting the emotions of others, and thus, they often refrain from expressing anger. However, following the advent of “empty chair therapy,” many individuals are able to freely unleash their negative emotions within psychological clinics, experiencing a sense of relief.

Naturally, in addition to such methods as “empty chair therapy” and extended techniques like yelling and shouting, one may also employ approaches such as conversing with friends, engaging in physical exercise, relaxing oneself, and indulging in music to alleviate stress, allowing for temporary respite and a more tranquil state of mind.
In addition to learning how to effectively vent our negative emotions, we can also endeavor to acquireskills in self-guidance and self-care. This involves prioritizing our own well-being and setting boundaries in our interactions with others. It is important to recognize that taking care of our mental health is not selfish but necessary for our overall happiness and fulfillment.

Practicing self-compassion is also crucial in overcoming the challenges faced by “good-natured” individuals. It involves treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and acceptance, just as we would treat a close friend. By acknowledging our own worth and valuing our needs, we can develop resilience and protect our mental well-being.

Furthermore, seeking professional help from therapists or counselors can be immensely beneficial. They can provide guidance, support, and tools to navigate through the complexities of social interactions and manage emotions effectively. Therapy can help individuals develop assertiveness skills, improve self-esteem, and learn strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

In conclusion, the challenges faced by “good-natured” individuals in social interactions and the potential impact on their mental health are significant. However, by understanding the underlying factors, practicing symbolic catharsis, developing self-guidance skills, and seeking professional help when needed, it is possible to navigate these challenges and cultivate a healthier and more fulfilling social life. Taking proactive steps towards self-care and mental well-being is crucial for everyone, regardless of their personality type.