An SRT bullet train departing from Gwangju, 330 kilometers south of Seoul, is almost empty as it heads for Suseo Station in the southwestern part of the capital city, on March 13, 2020. (Yonhap)
SEOUL, March 17 (Korea Bizwire) — It seems that overcoming the “horrifying illness” caused by the novel coronavirus has also become a social challenge that cannot be overlooked.
In fact, the number of confirmed cases of the novel coronavirus in South Korea has been on the decline recently.
But a growing number of people are complaining of pain or visiting hospitals despite minor symptoms such as coughing and headaches that would have been overlooked under normal circumstances.
COVID-19 can be transmitted through contact with others or through airborne droplets and is highly contagious due to the nature of the virus.
Therefore, people seem to feel more anxious than the previous Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) or Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreaks.
There are also no clear treatment methods, such as vaccines, and there are recommendations to “minimize the possibility of transmission through preemptive prevention”, adding to the psychological fear of infection.
As a result, there are also postings on the Internet community complaining of “imaginary coronavirus” symptoms in which individuals convince themselves that have contracted the virus based on minor symptoms as fatigue and headache.
One netizen wrote, “I am normally fine, but whenever I see comments related to COVID-19, my body suddenly gets hot and I get a sore throat,” adding, “I am worried whether I have been infected with COVID-19.”
In addition to physical measures, such as wearing a mask, it is also important to maintain mental stability.
Lee Hae-kook, a professor of psychiatry at the Catholic University of Korea, explained that “the reason behind unexpected anxiety and fear is due to difficulty breathing and a increase in heart rate, causing pressure of virtual fear and panic.”
Experts recommend activities that allow people to take a walk or refresh themselves, saying, “Too much fear can have a negative impact on mental health if individuals are not concerned about close contact.”
Dr. Kim Seung-gon, director of the psychiatry department at Chosun University Hospital, said, “As more people are confirmed, they become more suspicious and wary of other people,” adding, “As we refrain from face-to-face contact and going out, we can feel that we are getting more frustrated and stressed.”
Kim went on to say, “At times like this, it is better to plan in detail what one can do in this situation and try to develop positive consciousness through light physical activities outside, such as taking a walk.”
Lina Jang (linajang@koreabizwire.com)
