Understanding and being able to express feelings related to mental health and well-being is an essential part of leading a balanced life. Learning how to discuss these topics in Korean will not only enhance your language skills but also enable you to connect on a deeper level with Korean speakers. Here are some useful expressions:
정신 건강 (jeongsin geongang) – Mental health
This term refers to psychological well-being and the absence of mental illness.
우리 학교에는 학생들의 정신 건강을 돌보기 위한 프로그램이 많아요.
(Our school has many programs to take care of students’ mental health.)
스트레스 (seuteuraiseu) – Stress
Stress is a state of mental or emotional strain resulting from demanding circumstances.
다가오는 시험 때문에 스트레스를 많이 받고 있어요.
(I’m under a lot of stress because of the upcoming exams.)
우울증 (uuljeung) – Depression
Depression is a common and serious medical illness that negatively affects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act.
그녀는 요즘 우울증 증상을 겪고 있어서 치료를 받기 시작했어요.
(She’s been experiencing symptoms of depression lately and has started therapy.)
불안감 (burangam) – Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome.
그의 불안감은 시험 전날에 항상 심해지는 것 같아요.
(His anxiety always seems to worsen the night before an exam.)
휴식 (hyusik) – Rest
Rest is a period of relaxing or ceasing to engage in strenuous or stressful activities.
이번 주말은 집에서 휴식을 취하며 몸과 마음을 재충전할 거예요.
(I’m going to rest at home and recharge my body and mind this weekend.)
명상 (myeongsang) – Meditation
Meditation is a practice where an individual uses a technique to focus their mind on a particular object, thought, or activity to achieve a mentally clear and emotionally calm state.
매일 아침 명상을 하면 하루 종일 마음이 평온해져요.
(Meditating every morning keeps my mind peaceful all day.)
자기관리 (jagigwanri) – Self-care
Self-care encompasses activities and practices that we engage in on a regular basis to reduce stress and enhance our well-being.
자기관리를 위해 매주 요가 수업에 참여하고 있어요.
(I participate in yoga classes every week for self-care.)
치유 (chiyu) – Healing
Healing is the process of making or becoming sound or healthy again.
자연 속에서 시간을 보내는 것은 정신적인 치유에 도움이 돼요.
(Spending time in nature helps with mental healing.)
By familiarizing yourself with these terms and using them in conversations, you can enrich your understanding of Korean language and culture while also acknowledging the importance of mental health and well-being. Remember, talking about mental health is important in any language, and doing so can help break down barriers and reduce the stigma associated with it.