top of page

Depression as ‘Hormonal Pat’, the Biological Meaning of Depression.

Depression, a state characterised by the inability to find joy in once pleasurable activities, irritability, and a daily struggle. In this post blog, I’ll be sharing insights on the biological meaning of depression, drawing from a combination of personal experience, my work with clients, and the knowledge I've gained through my studies, including Recall Healing. Depression is a topic close to my heart, as I've witnessed its impact firsthand and have dedicated my efforts to understanding its roots and finding effective ways to work with it. Through my journey, I've come across the unique perspective offered by Recall Healing, which sheds light on the interconnectedness of emotions, biology, and our ability to heal ourselves.

According to Recall Healing, depression is triggered by frustration and conflict related to territory. When we encounter stress, our biological fight or flight mechanism kicks in. However, if neither option is possible, the brain resorts to a third response known as ‘Hormonal PAT’, a state of suspension or freezing.

‘Hormonal PAT’ is an evolutionary mechanism that protects us from danger when fighting or fleeing is impractical. To put it in chess terms, it's like being in a position where every move you make puts you in check. This balancing act of reactions signifies equilibrium and the lack of response in critical situations. Individuals experiencing ‘Hormonal PAT” find themselves compelled to obey against their will or instincts.

The key element associated with depression is "FRUSTRATION." Frustration arises when our needs are unmet, such as the need for love, understanding, safety, appreciation, or sex. Our brain dislikes and cannot accept frustration, so it shuts down these desires to reduce stress, effectively sweeping all emotions under the rug.

‘Hormonal Pat’ becomes the perfect solution to avoid frustration altogether.

When we have desires that cannot be satisfied, frustration sets in. In order to prevent repetitive frustration, the brain produces “Hormonal Pat’ effectively eliminating any desires.

As a result, we feel devoid of any desire and almost ‘dead’ = depression.

A person experiencing depression is fixated on the past, unable to separate from it and envision the future. They are not present in the moment and cannot perceive what is happening now. Depression is essentially a desire that remains unrealised.


Any emotional conflict "sealed" in our brain creates an inflammatory focus connected to a specific organ. In depression, the brain targets itself to protect the organ in that area. Thus, depression is a biological reaction to a specific conflict related to territory and the associated organs.

  • Loss of territory + hormonal pat, affects the heart and coronary arteries, which need blood flow to provide strength for defending our territory.

  • The inability to mark one's territory + hormonal pat leads to bladder-related conflicts.

  • Aerial territory conflicts, such as interpersonal conflicts + hormonal pat, require space to breathe, affecting the bronchi.

To illustrate the mechanism of ‘Hormonal Pat’ Gilbert Renaud offers the example of a pack of wolves. In a wolf pack, only one male can be the alpha leader. When confronted with a stronger wolf, the subordinate lowers its head and retreats. The subordinate wolf knows that fighting is futile, and running away is not an option since survival is ensured by being part of the pack. A wounded or dead wolf would be of no use to the whole pack…We, as humans, need to coexist with each other in harmony despite our different ideologies or interests.


Depression is symbolically associated with the neck due to feelings of guilt and inferiority. When we feel guilty, we lower our heads, much like children often do when reprimanded by adults, whether justly or not. Childhood experiences play a significant role in programming depression because children are unable to stand up to their parents or escape from them. Dependence drives them to retreat and lower their heads as a means of survival. These childhood events can activate depression and maintain its grip for years.

According to Recall Healing, understanding the cause of depression is the first step towards overcoming it. Finding the right key, whether it's a word, event, or situation, can liberate us from a depressive state within seconds. However, until we discover this key, we remain unaware that we are trapped in the ‘Hormonal Pat’ state.

Treating depression is not as simple as finding the right trigger. It requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both the emotional and physical aspects of the issue. This may involve therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and other interventions.


In conclusion, depression is a biological reaction to frustration and conflict related to territory. It has serious consequences for our mental and physical health, affecting relationships, work, and everyday life. By understanding the biology of depression, we can adopt a more holistic approach to our mental health and well-being. Recognising the significance of emotional conflicts and their impact on our physical health allows us to navigate the path to recovery.



Sources:


bottom of page