Actor Ryu Jin Confesses Anxiety and Depression Through Counseling Session

Actor Ryu Jin has bravely opened up about his hidden anxieties and depression during a recent psychological counseling session.

The video, uploaded on the YouTube channel 'Most (Wonderful) Ryu Jin' on the 15th, is titled "Reasons Why Communication Fails with a Husband in Menopause (20 Years of Marriage, Psychological Counseling).

During the session, Ryu Jin shared, "I have so many worries these days – my home, work, friends, age, my body, dozens of things." He confessed, "Economically, things are shrinking. Listening to stories from other people's children, it's chaotic everywhere. I also have great distrust in psychological counseling because my stubbornness prevents me from being easily comforted by others' words. I feel depressed."

Ryu Jin revealed experiencing symptoms such as decreased concentration, insomnia, indigestion, depression, anxiety, and loneliness. He stated, "As I age, I feel very disappointed by my appearance on screen and want to escape, but as the 'head of the household' (Gajang), I cannot escape." He also spoke about developing panic disorder after moving to Incheon, mentioning that he has not yet sought psychiatric help but is constantly filming under tension.

The professional counselor expressed surprise after reviewing Ryu Jin's psychological test results, asking, "How have you endured this far?" They strongly advised that psychiatric treatment is not optional but essential. The counselor analyzed, "You seem to hold back a lot. Suppression, repression. There seems to be a lot of enduring, holding down, and tolerating."

Ryu Jin recalled a past incident on a flight to Australia where he endured for 8 hours without getting up, even to use the restroom. "When I got angry, I would hold it in and suppress it, and then sometimes explode. Because I suppressed so much, I've become someone who can tolerate things much less than ordinary people now," he added.

The counselor emphasized self-care by asking, "Are you important? Am I important?" Ryu Jin responded hesitantly, "It's because I have family and responsibilities that I must think of myself as important, right? As for myself... I'm not sure."

Following the consultation, Ryu Jin remarked, "The therapist understood my inner feelings completely," yet also asserted his stubbornness, saying, "I don't change. I cannot change." However, he concluded positively, "I've decided again that it would be okay to visit a psychiatric clinic for counseling." This indicates a willingness to explore professional psychiatric help.

Korean netizens reacted with support and empathy, commenting things like "Ryu Jin-nim, cheer up!", "Taking care of myself first is the most important thing", and "I can relate to many parts." Some netizens also expressed sympathy, noting, "I can feel how heavy the responsibility of being the head of the household must be."