Hong Jin-kyung’s Visible Mood Swings Spark Discussion on Bipolar Disorder
Broadcaster Hong Jin-kyung is drawing attention due to noticeable shifts in her mood, recently documented in a video posted to her youtube channel titled ‘The place where Hong Jin-kyung, who suffered from bipolar disorder due to extreme stress, went to live.’
The video showed Hong Jin-kyung exhibiting her typically bright and cheerful demeanor, but also moments of visible fatigue and sadness.The footage captured instances of her staring blankly out the window and frequently sighing. A member of the production team even jokingly suggested she “show a brighter side to the viewers” in response to her subdued moments.
This has prompted a discussion about bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression or bipolar affective disorder, a condition characterized by significant mood swings between periods of mania (high mood) and depression (low mood). The disorder can manifest as alternating episodes of mania and depression, or sometimes only mania.
Experts attribute these symptoms to imbalances in neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, serotonin, dopamine, and endorphin, which regulate mood. The article highlights that severe stress, whether from personal relationships or work, can be a contributing factor, as are obsessive-compulsive personalities and low self-esteem. Hong Jin-kyung herself has stated, “My mood changes have gotten worse due to stress.”
Research suggests that increased physical activity can be beneficial in managing bipolar disorder. A joint study by Johns Hopkins University and the national Institute of Mental Health involving 242 participants (including 54 wiht bipolar disorder) found a correlation between increased activity and improved mood and energy levels. The study, which utilized wrist-worn activity trackers and frequent mood assessments, showed that increasing activity at one point in time led to improvements in mood and energy at the next assessment.
The article emphasizes the importance of seeking professional help for severe cases of bipolar disorder, including stress management treatment and medication. However, even for milder symptoms, regular conversations with trusted friends and family can contribute to emotional stability.
Hong Jin-kyung recently sought support by visiting comedian Go Myung-hwan on Yokjido Island in tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do. She explained that Go Myung-hwan’s experience recovering from a near-fatal car accident – where doctors advised him to prepare a will – resonated with her. ”Aren’t there a lot of times when people ignore what they really want and dream of?” she said. “Talking to (Go Myung-hwan) helps a lot when you’re having a hard time.”
