"Depression Is Scarier Than COVID-19"... Isolation Feeling at an All-Time Worst Level

Social Isolation Rate at 34.1%
Highest Since Related Statistics Compilation in 2009

[Asia Economy Reporter Jang Sehee]"Depression is scarier than COVID-19. I don't even know what to talk about when I have conversations with people."

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues into its second year, the number of people complaining of "corona blue (depression)" symptoms is increasing. In particular, there are concerns that depression may worsen among those in self-quarantine due to reduced face-to-face activities.

According to the Ministry of Health and Welfare's "2021 COVID-19 National Mental Health Survey," the rate of suicidal thoughts increased by 40% compared to the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak, and one in five people was found to be at risk of depression.

Mr. Yoo (42), who runs a gopchang restaurant in Gangnam, said, "The quarantine system has changed more than twice a month, and as a result, more customers are only using delivery," adding, "I feel like I might develop depression from worrying about closing the store."

Ms. Lee (27), a graduate of the Korea National University of Arts, said, "I have been preparing for employment for two and a half years since graduation," and added, "While friends who graduated from science and humanities fields are all getting jobs, I feel smaller and smaller thinking I have nowhere to go alone." She also said, "I'm afraid that if I go to the hospital for depression counseling, a record will remain, so I haven't gone."

Regarding a netizen's post asking, "Which is scarier, COVID-19 or depression?" comments such as "If you get COVID-19, depression comes with it," and "I would bet on depression. It's the scariest disease," were posted.

Social Isolation Also at 'Worst Ever' Level... "Impact of Reduced Face-to-Face Opportunities"

The rate of people without places to receive help, referred to as "social isolation," is also at its worst level ever.

According to the "Quality of Life in Korea 2021" report released by the Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs, last year's social isolation rate was 34.1%, the highest since related statistics began in 2009. This is an increase of 6.4 percentage points over two years compared to 2019, before COVID-19 (27.7%).

It was analyzed that the reduction in face-to-face opportunities with people around due to COVID-19 also influenced the increase in social isolation. In particular, the social isolation rate among those aged 60 and over, who are vulnerable to COVID-19, was 41.6% last year, the highest among all age groups.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.