1. What is “Corona Blue?”

Corona depression is also referred to as “Corona Blue.” The newly coined term that combines “COVID-19” with feeling “blue,” means feeling of depression or lethargy due to drastic changes in daily life resulting from the wide spread of Covid-19. According to a survey conducted to 1,000 citizens aged 18 by the Seoul Metropolitan Government, 7 out of 10 citizens once experienced the corona depression, which means the feeling of depression caused by the corona virus is common among people. In particular, senior citizens who are easily deceived by false information and vulnerable to loneliness, can feel severe anxiety for a prolonged time and have high risk of mental illness such as depression.

2. Am I also feeling corona blue? — Check the cause and the symptoms of corona blue

COVID-19 is not a local contagious disease that breaks out only in Korea; it is a worldwide pandemic that continues to occur in much wider area for a long period of time. Due to the entry ban against foreigners, both domestic and international exchanges are brought to a halt, which has negatively influenced not only enterprises but also job markets for workers. As the public refrain from outdoor activities and stay more at home, many have naturally experienced a decline in motivation and interest.

Anxiety and fear are the major symptoms that stand out the most from corona blue. Due to the prolonged outbreak of COVID-19, a range of following symptoms may appear: worries of getting infected; fears of thinking that even the smallest symptoms such as cough and fever are the signs of virus infection; obsession with pandemic related news and information; feeling of isolation; becoming lethargic and getting stressed out.

3. How to beat the corona blue in a healthy way

Experts say the psychological “bonding” is the most important thing. You cannot physically meet each other in person, but it is important to communicate with your family, friends and colleagues via phone calls or text messages. In addition, staying in a good rhythm of daily life through sufficient and regular sleep, and steady work outs at home are ways to keep your mind and body healthy at the same time. If you have enjoyed outdoor activities until now, it can be a great diversion to try to have a new hobby from indoors.

Feeling anxious is absolutely normal and this can help you take caution and avoid dangers. However, excessive anxiety can tire your mind and body. (If you want to seek for help) You can get the service from the COVID-19 counseling channel operated by the Integrated Psychiatry Support Group under the Ministry of Health and Welfare or use the mental health counseling service run by local government. We also recommend taking counseling and treatment by a medical specialist. So don’t struggle alone and ask for help from others.

Feeling anxious is absolutely normal and this can help you take caution and avoid dangers. However, excessive anxiety can tire your mind and body. (If you want to seek for help) You can get the service from the COVID-19 counseling channel operated by the Integrated Psychiatry Support Group under the Ministry of Health and Welfare or use the mental health counseling service run by local government. We also recommend taking counseling and treatment by a medical specialist. So don’t struggle alone and ask for help from others.

Q. What kind of activities do you recommend to overcome and prevent corona blue?

As people get to spend more time at home due to COVID-19,
the term “at-home activity” is newly coined. You can either watch TV or play games at home,
but it will also be a new and fun experience to try the trends that have been revived recently,
such as making beads ring and bracelet or growing small plants. In addition,
if you are interested in painting, you can simply buy the coloring book, scratch painting,
or scratch book and spend time on those works.

Area of medical specialty: Depression, anxiety, English Speaking Psychiatrist

Dr. Won Eun-soo of Chaum Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, figures out stress, depression and anxiety that have major influence on the health of modern people through a “mental health check-up,” and conducts counseling treatment and medication treatment for mental health. She’s in a medical team which distinguishes themselves from others by providing English medical services to Koreans with foreign citizenship, and English speaking foreigners who can’t speak Korean well while living in Korea. Acknowledged for brilliant research result and achievement as well as awarded the “GSK Young Medical Scientist Award,” Dr. Won stands out in the field of neuropsychiatry.