Textbook저는 정신적으로 힘듭니다jeo-neun jeong-sin-jeok-eu-ro him-deup-ni-daI am mentally struggling
Real요즘 좀 우울해 / 번아웃 온 것 같아yo-jeum jom u-ul-hae / beon-a-ut on geot gat-aI've been a bit down lately / I think I'm burning out🏷️ Daily conversation
정신적으로 힘들다 is too clinical for conversation. 우울하다 (to be down/depressed) and 번아웃 (burnout, Konglish) are how Koreans actually talk about mental health now. The stigma is fading, especially among younger generations.
Mental health vocabulary
Talking about mental health with friends
요즘 좀 힘들어I've been having a tough time lately
잠을 못 자I can't sleep
의욕이 없어I have no motivation
상담 받아볼까 생각 중이야I'm thinking of trying counseling
괜찮아? 무슨 일 있어?Are you okay? Did something happen?
Korean Gen Z and millennials are much more open about mental health than previous generations. 상담 받다 (to get counseling) is becoming normalized. But older Koreans may still say 힘내 (cheer up) instead of suggesting professional help.
Korea's mental health resources: 정신건강위기상담전화 1577-0199 (24-hour crisis line), 자살예방상담전화 1393 (suicide prevention). Many hospitals now have 정신건강의학과 (psychiatry) — the name was changed from 정신과 to reduce stigma. Counseling costs ~50,000-100,000 won per session, but insurance covers psychiatric visits.
Quick Quiz