The philosopher's prescription

Mental health has quietly emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our era. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), over a billion individuals worldwide grapple with mental health conditions, and these disorders rank among the leading causes of disability globally. Korea is no stranger to this reality. The topics of depression, anxiety, burnout, and loneliness are now openly discussed, marking a significant shift from previous generations where mental health was often cloaked in stigma and silence.

Seeking help was once deemed a sign of weakness, rather than an act of courage. However, today, many Koreans are beginning to recognize that emotional suffering warrants attention and treatment. A stroll around Gangnam Station in southern Seoul reveals a plethora of mental health clinics, nestled amidst the area's numerous plastic surgery clinics.

Yet, as awareness continues to grow, one cannot help but wonder if we might be venturing into the territory of over-diagnosing every manifestation of distress as a medical condition. While it is unequivocal that medication has saved countless lives worldwide, psychiatrists, psychologists, and mental health professionals remain indispensable.