Endemic Blue

 

 

In the early days of the coronavirus pandamic, more people complained of depression while suicide rates decreased. Would they feel better now because the coronavirus is becoming endemic? Definitely not. "Endemic Blue", a recently coined term in Korea that describes the feeling of depression at the end of a disaster, is more dangerous than Pandemic Blue.

 

Experts warn of a mental health crisis, which stems from the four emotional stages of disaster. When a disaster such as war or infectious diseases breaks out, peoprl work together to cope with it, which is called the heroic phase. Medical professionals rush to the disaster site, and people voluntarily donate blood. 

 

Then it moves onto the honeymoon phase where people experience a feeling of confidence and relief that they managed to deal with the crisis. Shortly after, however, they face the disillusionment phase where the reality sets in. They barely survived, but they fear of their uncertain future, and the government aid and support are not enough to be helpful.

 

People are exhausted by now. Both the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the US and the Great East Japan Earthquake showed a pattern of suicide rates decreasing in the first year and increasing after two years of the disaster. A growing number of people are complaining of Endemic Blue these days. In a survey of 1286 people in their 10s to 60s, 60% of the respondents said they feel more depressed that in the early days of the pandemic. 

 

They endured the pandemic together, but as the pandemic eases, a sense of relative deprivation is making them more depressed as everyone else seems to have a better life. Only 18% of the respondents said they will have a better future than others. Experts pointed to young people in their 20s and the self-employeed as the vulnerable groups for Endemic Blue. 

 

People with financial difficulties are 1.8 times more likely to develop depression. However, there is no way that aid resources are left available for the vulnerable people who barely survived the two years of the pandemic. Korea has the highest level of social isolatio among advanced countries. Three to four out of 10 people have nowhere to get help when they are in need. Ultimately, the goverment has to step in. Taking care of the mental health of those who survived the disaster and helping them financially recover should be the main tasks in the post-pandemic phase. 

 

 

[Summary]

 

As the coronavirus pandemic has continued, more individuals are reporting symptoms of depression despite a decrease in suicide rates. Despite the virus becoming endemic, experts are concerned about a potential mental health crisis. This is due to the four stages of emotional response to disaster: the heroic phase, the honeymoon phase, the disillusionment phase, and exhaustion. In the disillusionment phase, people struggle with fear of the future, and inadequate support from the government. Studies show that after a disaster, suicide rates tend to increase two years later. The "Endemic Blue" feeling of depression is becoming increasingly prevalent and paricularly affects young people and the self-employed. People with financial difficulties are more susceptible to depression. In Korea, there is a high level of social isolation and few resources available for those in need. The goverment must step in to address the mental health needs of those affected by the pandemic and support them financially.