“Anxiety disorder is a larger category of psychiatric disorders, and includes panic disorders, agoraphobia, and claustrophobia. There are many factors that cause the condition, but most of them are triggered by stress.” (Image : Pixabay)
SEOUL, Nov.15 (Korea Bizwire) – With popular comedian Jung Hyung-don announcing that he would be taking a break from all the programs he is starring in due to anxiety disorder, interest in the condition has been on the rise. Many other celebrities have also divulged that they suffer from panic disorders and agoraphobia, such as Kim Gu-ra, Lee Kyung-gyu, Cha Tae-hyun, Kim Ha-neul and Kim Seung-woo, making the public curious about the disorders.
Dr. Choi Byung-ha from the mental health department at Yonsei Korea Hospital shared information about the disorders. “Anxiety disorder is a larger category of psychiatric disorders, and includes panic disorders, agoraphobia, and claustrophobia. There are many factors that cause the condition, but most of them are triggered by stress.”
Dr. Choi also explained the possibilities in which the illness can occur. “There is a chance that some have a lower capacity for stress, but in most cases the conditions occur when an individual’s anxiety level rises. Comedians like Jung Hyung-don might feel pressure to make people laugh, and feel anxious that they might one day run out of funny material, leading them to anxiety disorders.”
The symptom that is experienced the most among patients with anxiety disorders is panic disorders, also known as panic attacks. The heart pounds hard making it difficult to breath, leaving one terrified that they might die.
Patients with agoraphobia feel trepidation that they won’t be able to get help from anyone even though they are in an open space.
Previously, on the talk show ‘Healing Camp’, aired in August 24 on SBS TV, Jung Hyung-don confessed that he was sometimes afraid of viewers. (Image : Yonhap)
Previously, on the talk show ‘Healing Camp’, aired in August 24 on SBS TV, Jung Hyung-don confessed that he was sometimes afraid of viewers. “I feel like I’ve changed a lot since I became a comedian. I can’t say what’s on my mind anymore. When you go through experiences such as getting criticized by the public or read tons of malicious comments, you can’t help but be intimidated. So I try not to express my opinions directly. I have to make people laugh, but what if someone can’t laugh because I said something offensive?”
Anxiety disorders are not limited to Jung Hyung-don. Many celebrities have also confessed that they had mental disorders including panic attacks. Celebrities might look glamorous, but they also have their own struggles in dealing with the public and shocking comments about themselves. The simple reality of bring popular could also be very stressful.
Comedian Kim Gu-ra was hospitalized in December 2014 because of panic attacks due to insomnia and ringing in his ears. (Image : Yonhap)
Comedian Kim Gu-ra was hospitalized in December 2014 because of panic attacks due to insomnia and ringing in his ears.
Comedian Lee Kyung-gyu revealed that he was diagnosed with panic disorder and took medication. (Image : Yonhap)
Actors Cha Tae-hyun, Kim Ha-neul, Kim Seung-woo, Ryu Seung-soo, Gong Hyung-jin and Park Yong-woo also confessed that they have undergone treatment for panic disorders. Ryu Seung-soo (above). (Image : Yonhap)
Dr. Choi explained that the reason so many celebrities have mental disorders is not because of a recent increase in the spread of the illnesses, but rather because people now feel more comfortable going to psychiatrists to treat their conditions. “The ‘coming out’ of celebrities will also help the public to understand more about mental disorders. When neglected, the symptoms will repeat and worsen. So treatment is a must.”
By Francine Jung (francine.jung@kobizmedia.co.kr)
