"Unable to Meet, Growing Apart" Depression in Human Relationships During the COVID Era

"38.9% Feel Human Relationships Have Weakened Due to COVID-19"
Citizens Complain of Isolation and Loss... Sometimes Leading to Depression
Experts Warn "Long-term Social Distancing May Cause Collective Depression"

As the COVID-19 pandemic prolongs, cases of deteriorating human relationships are also increasing. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suwan] "No one contacts me.", "I can't meet my friends or family, so it's really hard."

More citizens are complaining that their human relationships have worsened due to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) crisis. Because of social distancing and other measures, they cannot meet acquaintances in person, leading to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and loss. Especially if these symptoms persist, they can lead to depression, requiring special attention. Experts have expressed concerns that prolonged social distancing could cause collective depression.

Recently, various online community boards have posted appeals with titles such as "COVID-19 ruined all my relationships," "I'm being ostracized because of COVID-19," and "How are your relationships after COVID-19?"

The author wrote, "I've recently had a reality check ('hyeonta,' short for 'reality awareness time,' expressing self-deprecation) about my relationships. Naturally, I can't meet people because of COVID-19, and consequently, the frequency of contact has decreased," adding, "Seeing people leave one by one makes me feel very insignificant. While I know it's necessary to sort out relationships in life, I didn't want it to be like this. I'm just very lonely and struggling these days."

Another netizen said, "I'm scared to meet people in case I get infected," and added, "Some friends asked to meet a few times, but since everyone is being cautious, gathering in groups to eat or go to cafes didn't seem right, so I declined. After that, they seemed tired of it and stopped contacting me."

According to a survey, 4 out of 10 respondents feel that their relationships have become much more distant due to COVID-19.

Market research firm Embrain Trend Monitor recently conducted a survey on perceptions of "human relationships" among 1,000 adult men and women aged 19 to 59. The results showed that more people (38.9%) feel their relationships have become distant recently than those who say they contact others more often than before (26.7%). The prolonged COVID-19 pandemic is further isolating human relationships.

As human relationships have become neglected due to the novel coronavirus infection, more people are feeling isolated and experiencing a sense of loss. Photo by Yonhap News

As a result, many people want to sort out their existing relationships.

In the previous survey, 6 out of 10 respondents (59.9%) said they "sometimes feel the need to organize their relationships." This sentiment was similar regardless of age.

Also, a considerable number of people (29.3%) said their current life is so tough that they do not have the energy to care about relationships.

Given this situation, symptoms of "COVID blue" are increasing across all generations. "COVID blue" refers to depression or lethargy caused by significant changes in daily life due to the spread of COVID-19.

According to an analysis of Ministry of Health and Welfare data by National Assembly Health and Welfare Committee member Lee Yong-ho on the 23rd, the number of depression patients across all age groups increased from 643,137 in 2016 to 798,427 last year, and 500,349 as of April this year. Among them, the number of depression patients in their 20s was 74,058, 30s 62,917, and 40s 68,000, showing an increase in depression patients across all age groups.

Rep. Lee said, "The number of depression patients has been steadily increasing over the past five years, and with over 500,000 patients as of April this year, it makes us realize the reality of 'COVID blue.' National measures are needed to ensure timely counseling and treatment for depression. Now, a societal approach and consideration for 'psychological quarantine' are necessary."

Experts warn that restrictions on human relationships due to COVID-19 can worsen stress and depression.

Professor Kwak Geumju of Seoul National University's Department of Psychology explained, "Humans are social animals, so relationships between people are very important. Humans have a strong desire to belong to groups and receive comfort and joy through communication with others."

She continued, "However, due to the spread of COVID-19 and physical controls such as social distancing, the desire to meet people has been blocked. The longer COVID-19 lasts, the more loneliness, disappointment, and despair will accumulate. It is necessary to network with people online or find personal ways to relieve stress," she advised.