[The Editors' Verdict] How to Manage Economic Distress

Various Indicators Rise Except My Salary
Economic Hardship Leads to Physical and Mental Pain
Health Is a Crucial Asset:
Develop Habits to Maintain Brain Health

Just as the stress endured over three years of COVID-19 seemed to be ending, an economic recession or downturn quickly followed. Looking at various indicators and forecasts, the economic conditions for the new year appear bleak. There is a saying that everything is rising except my salary, my house, my stocks, and my coins.

According to an analysis by the Health Insurance Review & Assessment Service, the number of people diagnosed and treated for depression and anxiety disorders increased by more than 30% over the past five years (2017?2021). Among young people in their 30s, women outnumbered men. Depression and anxiety disorders seem to be largely due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic combined with political, economic, and social factors. The Federation of Korean Industries' calculation of the generational economic hardship index for the first half of the year also showed that the youth, affected by employment difficulties and inflation, ranked first, followed by those in their 60s in second place. The situation is similar in the United States. According to an analysis by the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF), during the pandemic period, 4 out of 10 American adults experienced symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorders.

Dr. Lucia Machia of City, University of London analyzed data from 1.3 million people across 146 countries over 10 years and found that a 3% increase in unemployment rates corresponded to a 1% increase in the number of people reporting physical pain. Especially during economically difficult times, people reported more pain regardless of their employment status. Dr. Machia stated, "Financial and job insecurity, uncertainty, and lack of control over life experienced during economic recessions are highly likely to trigger mental distress," adding, "This can ultimately cause physical pain. Negative emotions can sometimes trigger negative physical sensations."

According to brain specialists, psychological pain and physical pain share the same neural processes. Because these two forms of pain are linked to economic uncertainty, people may experience mental and emotional distress. Numerous studies indicate that those who have experienced emotional distress due to economic uncertainty are more likely to experience it again. This can further damage physical health and worsen pain, affecting cognitive functions such as the ability to make rational decisions. An individual's physical and mental pain or stress can impact all aspects of their life, influencing their home, workplace, and society.

A healthy brain is essential to maintaining physical and mental health and resilience to stress. To promote brain health, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is necessary. It is beneficial to have proper eating and living habits, engage in sufficient conversations with trusted people such as friends and family, or find one’s role in the workplace or community. For young and middle-aged adults, it is good to frequently move both the head and limbs.

Instead of sitting for long hours or focusing solely on monitors and smartphones, it is recommended to stand up and stretch whenever possible during the day, walk more during commuting times, or dedicate 2 to 3 hours to walk 10,000 steps. For fingers accustomed only to pressing keyboards, remote controls, and phone screens, holding a pencil, fountain pen, or ballpoint pen and writing classical literature, columns, or famous quotes previously unfamiliar to them is also recommended. Public and private sectors need to promote walking and writing more actively for employees’ brain health. The central government and local authorities also need to explore policy measures to promote brain health in preparation for a healthy centenarian era in this super-aged society. Kyung-ho Lee, Head of Biohealth Division gungho@

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