facing psychological distress.
When the Morning Commute Feels Overwhelming, It May Not Just Be Fatigue
For many South Korean workers, the daily grind—often characterized by long hours, typically from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. or longer, in a highly competitive work culture—can feel particularly burdensome. If the commute to work feels unbearable and motivation for tasks plummets, it may signal more than just tiredness; it could indicate depression. A recent survey revealed that eight out of ten South Korean workers reported experiencing feelings of depression recently. The greater issue lies in dismissing these feelings as trivial, allowing them to fester untreated.
Workplace Depression: More Than Just a Weak Mindset
Depression among workers is not a sign of personal weakness. It stems from a complex interplay of factors: excessive workplace stress, persistent tension, interpersonal conflicts at work, and physical exhaustion. These stressors can disrupt the brain’s neurological balance, leading to a cascade of mental and physical health challenges.
While stress can temporarily boost focus or productivity, chronic exposure often triggers anxiety, lethargy, and sleep disturbances, which can also compromise physical health. Over time, these effects deepen feelings of depression, potentially escalating to a level requiring clinical intervention.
Persistent Symptoms for Two Weeks or More Warrant Attention
Not every bout of low mood indicates a disorder. However, if feelings of lethargy dominate most days, once-enjoyable activities lose their appeal, or changes in appetite or sleep patterns emerge, it’s time to take notice. Accompanying symptoms like self-blame, fatigue, or thoughts of death—persisting nearly every day for two weeks or more—may point to major depressive disorder.
In such cases, brushing off the symptoms as “manageable” can be risky. Seeking professional help is critical. Mental health specialists can assess a patient’s condition through consultations and diagnostic tests, offering treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy, non-pharmacological interventions, or, when necessary, medication to alleviate symptoms.
Addressing depression early, before it progresses to a clinical disorder, leads to faster and more effective recovery.
Practical Steps to Combat Depression: Move, Talk, Share
The first step in managing depression is identifying its triggers. Whether it’s overwhelming workloads, strained relationships, family issues, or financial pressures, pinpointing specific stressors can shift how emotions are processed.
Equally important is avoiding isolation. Sharing feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor can significantly lighten the emotional load. South Korea’s mental health infrastructure, including community-based mental health centers, offers accessible support for those in need.
One critical pitfall to avoid is retreating into inactivity. Staying in bed or disengaging from life out of a sense of apathy can worsen depression. Instead, intentionally engaging in physical activity—whether a walk, exercise, or revisiting hobbies—can counteract depressive symptoms. Planning and following through with these activities, even when motivation is low, is key.
Dr. Hyun-kyu Kim, a psychiatrist at the National Health Insurance Service Ilsan Hospital, emphasizes the urgency of early intervention: “When stress and depression begin to disrupt daily life, don’t delay or endure in silence. Seeking a professional diagnosis and treatment is the first step toward recovery. Mental health is as vital as physical health, and early action is critical.”
Lim Hye Jung, HEALTH IN NEWS TEAM
press@hinews.co.kr
