[With Corona, Is Returning to Normal Life Possible?] From Vaccination to Panic Disorder... The Remaining Challenge is 'Post-COVID Syndrome'

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Dong-hoon] #Last month, Park Seong-mo (37, pseudonym), who received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine, experienced a relapse of 'pericarditis' that he had suffered from once before. He urgently visited a hospital and had to be hospitalized for treatment. Park said, "I cannot be certain of the causal relationship between the vaccine and pericarditis," but added, "However, the thought that it might be a side effect of the vaccine made the vaccination feel frightening." The pericarditis, which causes painful difficulty in breathing, also brought him mental stress. Eventually, Park was diagnosed with panic disorder and is currently receiving psychiatric counseling.

As the COVID-19 vaccination completion rate exceeds 60%, discussions about 'With Corona' are underway. However, on the other hand, the number of people suffering from aftereffects due to stress caused by COVID-19 and vaccination is increasing. They say they cannot shake off doubts about the vaccine developed in just over a year and suspicions of side effects resulting from it. In fact, there are people who complain of pain and various side effects after vaccination. Therefore, the number of people experiencing mental stress even after vaccination is also increasing.

Sim Sang-min (31), who was vaccinated this month, plans to forgo the second dose due to severe pain after the first dose. Sim said, "After getting the vaccine, I had chills and fever so severe that I had to go to the hospital emergency room," and added, "The pressure from COVID-19 combined with stress from vaccination has made it mentally difficult."

Recently vaccinated teenagers also express anxiety. Baek Dong-seong, a high school junior, said, "Vaccination is talked about as if it is mandatory, so I was scheduled to get vaccinated on the 18th, but I feel anxious."

Experts diagnose that social pressure and anxiety caused by COVID-19 have worsened. They point out the need to see a specialist if symptoms such as severe depression and lethargy persist, making it difficult to work or causing deterioration in interpersonal relationships.