[Politics Show] Professor Baek Myung-jae "It's not something I'm going to say on the air, but look at the press reports less."

- Overwhelming traumatic symptoms of 'dazed and lost'

- Rescue workers also need to put down their trauma and guilt

- The bereaved family desperately needs psychological treatment...

Get an evaluation

- Advice to an acquaintance who is heartbroken?

Shouldn't be vague

- National Trauma Center, 1577-0199 Counseling

- Avoid provocative news and recommend abdominal breathing and exercise

- Hate speech in Itaewon?

Prejudice and Jealousy

■ Broadcast: SBS Kim Tae-hyun's political show (FM 103.5 MHz 7:00 ~ 09:00)

■ Date: November 1, 2022 (Tuesday)

■ Host: Kim Tae-hyun Attorney

■ Appearance: Baek Myung-jae, Kyunghee University Hospital Mental Health Professor of Medicine

▷ Tae-Hyun Kim: The Itaewon Disaster A lot of people are complaining of fear because of this incident.

There are many people who are psychologically shocked.

The bereaved family must have fallen into a great shock, and it seems that there are many people who are suffering psychologically, including those who were at the scene at the time, and those who were not at the scene, but heard the news of this incident through newspapers and broadcasts and read the news every day. Let's talk with an expert on how to overcome the trauma of your worries.

Myung-jae Paik is a professor of psychiatry at Kyunghee University Hospital.

hello.

▶ Myungjae Baek: Hello.

My name is Myung-Jae Baek, Kyung Hee University Hospital.

▷ Taehyun Kim: Professor, you should talk to the people who were in the field.

It turns out, I went to the site with my acquaintances, and many of them died, but there are people who are still alive.

Those who lived in the tragedy of the father-in-law, I was the only one who survived, and I couldn't save the person next to me.

How big is this trauma?

▶ Myung-jae Baek: In fact, when we go through a big trauma, the psychological reactions that many people talk about are depression and anxiety.

But when you are exposed to greater trauma, you become overwhelmed.

In an overpowering situation, a person actually freezes.

It freezes and is commonly referred to as a shattered room.

I don't know how to express this, but the expression "I'm not in the mood" may be the most appropriate story in some way.

These people are dumbfounded and talk about these things a lot.

In fact, I wonder if there are still people who don't realize it.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Were there people at the scene at the time?

▶ Myungjae Baek: Yes.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Is it yesterday?

It was also reported in the article, but when the Chief of Yongsan Fire Department gave a press briefing, the briefing itself was very calm and a veteran-like briefing. seem to have come up

It is said that the police who were dispatched to the scene couldn't save even one more person, and I'm sorry.

They're pros, rescue workers on the spot.

Are the traumas these people experience much greater than that of ordinary people?

▶ Myungjae Baek: Yes, I think so.

Literally veterans.

People who are always exposed to such traumatic situations, has the situation in Itaewon ever been like this in Korea?

Another important thing is that a lot of young people have died.

In particular, firefighters and police officers seem to feel even more sorry for that part.

In fact, I think that these are the reactions that any human being can experience.

In fact, there are no people who say anything about the handling of the accident after the accident or the response at that time.

In a way, what was the fault of the rescuers?

I think it would be of some help to them to make a clear distinction between the natural feeling of regret that can be taken for granted as a human being, and the actual guilt.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Not only the rescue workers, but also among the people who were on the scene, there are anxiety, fear, and fear, but only I survived. No other victims have died.

▶ Myungjae Baek: That's right.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Nevertheless, feeling such self-blame, how should I overcome this?

▶ Myungjae Baek: These feelings of self-blame, regret, or thoughts that would have been different if I had acted differently, these thoughts automatically come to my mind.

It automatically pops up in my mind.

However, it can actually confuse thinking that I'm at fault or someone else is at fault.

It is very important in the beginning to hold in my head that somehow this is my mind, these various emotions and thoughts come up automatically, but I am not actually doing anything wrong.

▷Kim Tae-Hyeon: Then you will need help from your family, friends, and relatives.

▶ Myungjae Baek: That is also important.

On the other hand, it's helpful to keep you informed about these things, it's not your fault.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: I see.

I'm going to talk to the bereaved family.

No matter what anyone says, the psychological impact on the bereaved family will be the greatest.

Bereaved families who have lost their loved ones in such a tragedy.

▶ Myungjae Baek: That's right.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: All of the young victims are in their late teens or 20s, so we can't measure the psychological shock and pain of parents who let their children go first. shall?

▶ Myungjae Baek: You must not be too busy right now.

Because the funeral has not yet been completed properly.

So now, in a way, being with family and acquaintances is the most important thing in a way.

After the situation is sorted out to some extent, psychological support is needed from then on.

The most important thing in psychological support is continuous support.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Continuous support.

▶ Myungjae Baek: Yes.

So, I think that the most important part right now is that the person in charge is not constantly changing, but that one person is in charge and is constantly together.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: But sometimes it is, but among the bereaved families and people like this, the situation itself is very difficult, so there may be some people who do not come out of the house and are in sorrow and delay the treatment itself.

What kind of difficulties will they face in the future if the bereaved family does not receive psychological treatment or these things in time?

▶ Myungjae Baek: So there were similar cases in our previous accidents.

▷Kim Taehyun: Oh, do you have any data?

▶ Myungjae Baek: Yes, such a case is the saddest case for us.

Counseling or treatment is not something you can't do against your will.

So we're trying to convince them somehow.

It may be natural, but it would be better if a little more therapeutic intervention and counseling were introduced as soon as possible.

But when it comes to accepting them, this is different for each person.

In my case, there are parts that wait for the time.

But for now, the most important thing is that even those who are not yet ready to receive counseling or intervention themselves, I would like to at least receive an evaluation.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Evaluation.

about your psychological state.

▶Myungjae Baek: I think the most important thing in going to the process after that is to regularly receive what level you are and to hear the results and to know what your condition is now compared to others.

I wonder if the country is paying more attention to that aspect.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: People around the bereaved family can still do something.

For example, a close acquaintance of mine is a family member of the victim of this accident.

There are people who want to comfort you and want to help. What kind of comfort and what kind of help do you need?

▶ Myungjae Baek: Actually, in this case, I really don't have anything to say, but to the bereaved family.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Right now.

▶Myungjae Baek: Even being with acquaintances and family members who are in grief, in a way, it makes me anxious and nervous.

When we are anxious and tense, we talk a lot.

As we talk a lot, we often say unnecessary or rather unhelpful stories.

So in this case, if I can't decide whether I should talk about it or not, it's helpful not to do it.

I think it will be of great help just to be together.

▷Kim Taehyun: You are saying that it is better not to talk if you are worried.

▶ Myungjae Baek: Yes.

▷Kim Tae-Hyun: Because the professor said that you should be careful about that part because a single word that you just threw out to comfort the bereaved family could be pierced with a dagger in the hearts of the bereaved family.

Now, with Professor Baek Myung-jae of the Department of Psychiatry at Kyungui University Hospital, we are talking about the psychological treatment of the bereaved family, those who were at the scene, and the people.

There are people like that among the people.

They were not family members, nor were they at the scene at the time, and most of them simply heard the news of the accident through the media and watched the video on social media, but the truth is.

Could there be some of them who are psychologically shocked and traumatized?

▶ Myungjae Baek: Of course, there may be.

For example, I also watched the news in the morning and couldn't sleep.

The next day, I had no choice but to turn on the news, and although the mosaic is processed, the scenes are not repeated over and over again.

That in itself was difficult for me to bear.

Of course, healthy people will naturally feel better over time even if they feel such shock and regret.

In fact, those who are receiving psychiatric treatment, those who are psychologically weak, or those who are originally vulnerable, these reactions may last a little longer.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Then, among the general public, after hearing about an accident or news, I was psychologically shocked, so it was a little difficult for me.

I think this so-called PTSD psychological syndrome is coming to me.

What are the symptoms that can make you aware of this?

▶ Myungjae Baek: Many of us talk about PTSD symptoms like this.

It is not appropriate to use the term PTSD at this time.

▷Kim Taehyun: Oh, is that so?

▶ Myungjae Baek: A more accurate term now is stress response.

It's a trauma response, a stress response.

As many of you know, you can think of these reactions, such as being emotionally depressed and anxious, and the scenes of the video related to accidents constantly replaying in your mind, but what I want to emphasize is the physical reaction.

Our stress response, trauma response, more often than not, actually comes from the body.

For example, if you can't sleep, have indigestion, feel tired and helpless even though you slept well, or if your shoulder or body hurts anywhere, these stress reactions may appear in the body, so it is better to look at the body's reactions a little more. I think it might be helpful too.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: The body's reaction itself.

Then, if you feel such a reaction, it is necessary to check your condition even before treatment.

▶ Myungjae Baek: Yes.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: I see.

According to some opinions, there may be up to 10,000 people who need psychological treatment.

Does your professor agree with this opinion?

▶ Myungjae Baek: I do not think that all 10,000 people need treatment.

But among them, there are people who are worried about us.

There are people who worry about themselves.

In that case, first of all, the most important thing right now is that it may be the first time you are experiencing all of this, so you are not aware of your own condition.

The most important thing is to know the various mental health problems, psychological and physical reactions that appear after this trauma, to know about these things, and if you are worried, you can take a self-assessment questionnaire.

You can check them on the National Trauma Center website as well.

We recommend that you search for such information.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: The state will support psychotherapy.

I can't remember the exact term, but it seems to be talking about a psychotherapy center.

What will be supported in such a place?

▶Myungjae Baek: First of all, right after the accident, the Ministry of Health and Welfare formed an integrated psychological support group centered on the National Trauma Center and the Seoul Mental Health Welfare Center.

So, in the main script, the families of the deceased and the names of the wounded are secured to some extent.

With those lists, after all, they are the high-risk groups.

In the case of them, we preemptively text and contact them to introduce necessary services, provide information, and provide information that can be evaluated or consulted.

Among those who are not,

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Among those who were at the scene.

▶Myungjae Baek: Since you cannot check all 100,000 people individually, you can use self-report questionnaires at the National Trauma Center as I mentioned earlier.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: They have to go on their own, because they can't check everything.

▶ Myungjae Baek: Yes.

There is also a mental health hotline at 1577-0199.

It's available 24 hours.

There are a lot of people who are contacting me right now, so it may be a bit difficult to connect, but I would recommend that you use it first.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Then, for example, among the general public, watching videos, watching news, and expressing stress syndrome.

There are quite a few people with such symptoms who say that I have to go to the hospital, go to the national treatment center, and have to overcome something instead, right?

What would it take to overcome this on your own?

▶ Myungjae Baek: First of all, it is a bit strange to come out and talk about this in the press.

▷Kim Taehyung: It's okay.

▶ Myungjae Baek: The media is provocative, and in a way, even if the mosaic is processed, you may be stimulated.

You need to restrain yourself from such things.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Videos and news on social media.

▶ Myungjae Baek: That's right.

And there are many people who think that abdominal breathing can be of great help.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: When you say abdominal breathing, you breathe in deeply through your nose, breathe in through your nose with a convex belly, and exhale through your mouth at once.

▶Myungjae Baek: Slow abdominal breathing is very helpful and in a way, it is the easiest way.

When I'm too angry or unable to control my emotions, I take slow, deep breaths to reduce stress and stuff like that.

Those things are helpful too, and then I would like to recommend these things first.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: You said that there is a way to overcome yourself in that way.

If you are still having a hard time, please call the number 1577 that I mentioned earlier and get help.

Please introduce yourself only once.

▶ Myungjae Baek : This is 1577-0199.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Calling 1577-0199 and getting help from the state is another way to tell.

It always comes up when there is an accident, but there are quite a few people who post hate speech on social media, why they went there, unconfirmed fake news, and then provocative videos. What is the psychological state of those people?

So, please refrain from doing it. What is the psychology of doing it despite the government asking for it and the media saying you shouldn't do it?

▶Myungjae Baek: Of course, I can bring up these kinds of stories about why I went out of a sad heart, but in fact, the biggest reason is a bit of prejudice against the space itself called Itaewon.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: False prejudice.

▶ Myungjae Baek: It is a place that I and many people usually go to, but there are people who are actually of any age or in this case, there may be people who misunderstand the space of Itaewon a little.

Then, of course, there are those who are not familiar with Halloween or the culture itself.

I don't think it's a combination of those things.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: Apart from that, should it be said that every time there is a tragedy or accident like this, it is a kind of mockery of the victim?

Post fake news and watch provocative videos. Why are you doing this?

Especially in Itaewon or Halloween in general.

▶ Myungjae Baek: These are different thoughts.

There may be such things as jealousy of not being able to go there, not being able to be with that culture, and things that I did not enjoy.

In reality, it is possible to think of a personality problem or a combination of these things.

▷Kim Tae-hyun: I see.

5325 said that talking on the news all day is bad for trauma.

So, we who do current affairs programs also have a lot of troubles.

There are some people who suffer from hearing stories like these, so is it right to keep telling them?

However, please understand that there are many concerns about those aspects because I have to explain the current situation again.

9871 says that broadcasting stations refrain from using provocative videos of the Itaewon disaster, will it work?

You said it's not too late, but in SBS too, we don't use video as much as possible, and when we use it to explain incidents as much as possible, we do mosaic processing and blind processing to show them, so the provocative videos will be less likely to be seen in the future. I'm thinking

Today, we had a conversation with the professor about how to overcome psychological trauma.

Let's hear from you here today.

Until now, Myung-jae Paik was a professor in the Department of Psychiatry at Kyunghee University Hospital.

thank you

▶ Myungjae Baek: Thank you.

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