"I Hate In-Person Meetings"... 'Corona Blue' Declines but Depression Persists as 'Endemic Blue'

The proportion of people experiencing depression or having thoughts of extreme choices is on a declining trend, but it remains higher than the levels before the COVID-19 pandemic, according to a survey. The photo is not related to any specific expression in this article. [Image source=Pixabay]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] As social distancing measures are lifted and daily life gradually recovers, a survey has found that the proportion of people feeling depressed or having thoughts of extreme self-harm is on a declining trend. However, the levels remain higher than before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Recently, the Central Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters announced the results of the first quarter 2022 mental health survey on COVID-19 depression, conducted on 2,063 adults nationwide.

The survey showed that the depression risk group accounted for 18.5%. Looking at the quarterly data, this rate surged from 17.5% in March 2020, the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, to 22.8% in March 2021. It then decreased to 18.9% in December 2021 and further to 18.5% in March this year.

The rate of thoughts of extreme self-harm also declined to 11.5%. Previously, it rose from 9.7% in March 2020 to 16.3% in March 2021, then dropped to 13.6% in December 2021 and 11.5% in March 2022.

However, compared to before the COVID-19 outbreak, these levels remain high. In 2019, the depression risk group was 3.2%, and the rate of thoughts of extreme self-harm was 4.6%.

Additionally, by age group, both the depression risk group and the rate of thoughts of extreme self-harm were highest among people in their 30s, at 26.7% and 15.2%, respectively, followed by those in their 40s and 20s.

Based on the survey results, the government plans to prepare psychological support measures for the recovery of daily life. As COVID-19 treatment transitions to the general medical system, the existing national and regional trauma centers, which previously provided psychological support to confirmed cases, will shift to providing comprehensive mental health services in local communities centered on local government mental health welfare centers.

Support for COVID-19 bereaved families and response personnel will also be strengthened. Professional counseling and mourning programs from the National Trauma Center will be provided to bereaved families, and burnout management programs for response personnel will be activated. Tailored services will be offered to vulnerable groups for mental health, including children and adolescents, youth, women, workers, and small business owners.

Meanwhile, with the recent full lifting of social distancing, it has been reported that a considerable number of people are experiencing endemic blues. This phenomenon involves stress and depression caused by unwanted face-to-face gatherings such as company dinners or workshops. This contrasts with COVID blues, which involved feelings of isolation and loneliness due to social distancing.

Children who entered school during the COVID-19 era sometimes struggle to adapt to face-to-face life and feel psychological pressure in their friendships. Children accustomed to remote classes may experience psychological burdens in interpersonal relationships as they return to school.

Experts view the stress from adapting to the changed daily life as the cause of endemic blues. They advise that the greater the stress, the more gradual changes should be made in daily life. They also pointed out the need for systems to promote the social development of children and adolescents, which has slowed since the COVID-19 crisis.

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