The beloved actress Lee Sung-kyung recently shared her experiences on “Jo Hyun-ah’s Thursday Night”, which aired on the 16th of May.
Discussing the emotional challenges she faced, she expressed, “The emotional toll of being misunderstood is really about the injustice of it all. That kind of pain, stemming from a sense of unfairness, is incredibly hard to bear. I’ve suffered greatly in the past from such misunderstandings. Often, my profession doesn’t allow me the opportunity to correct those misperceptions.“
She further elaborated, “However, I’ve been working on accepting that being misunderstood is okay, and since adopting that mindset, I’ve felt considerably more at peace. If people perceive me as superficial or frivolous, then so be it.”
Lee Sung-kyung recounted how the perspective of a friend helped her, saying, “My friend—who is actually quite profound but often seen as lighthearted—shared the same sentiment. That struck a chord with me and inspired me to adopt a similar outlook.“
The host, Jo Hyun-ah, commented on her growth, “It seems that this positive mindset has contributed to your personal development, and you’ve indeed spent your 20s in a very meaningful way.”
Lee Sung-kyung opened up about her toughest mental health year saying, “Last year posed the greatest mental challenge for me. I was so burnt out that my body didn’t even produce happiness hormones like dopamine and serotonin adequately. The usual ways I coped no longer worked, and quick fixes only temporarily masked the pain without truly providing relief.“
She shared a turning point, “Right before the year ended, I stumbled upon something that finally made me feel okay. It dawned on me that I wasn’t switching ‘On/Off’ in my life as well as I thought I was, despite believing otherwise. It was a revelation to change the way I questioned myself—from self-criticism to self-care—and that shift brought me genuine healing.”
Concluding her experience, she added, “I journaled about adopting a mindset of gratitude and happiness, focusing on what I could control like nutrition and mindset. That practice brought me back to health.“
FAQs About Lee Sung-kyung’s Mental Health Journey
Q: What was the main cause of Lee Sung-kyung’s mental struggle last year?
A: Lee Sung-kyung struggled with being misunderstood and not being able to explain herself, which led to a deep sense of unfairness and pain.
Q: How did Lee Sung-kyung begin to overcome her mental health challenges?
A: She started to accept being misunderstood and shifted her mindset towards being okay with others’ misperceptions, which brought her more peace.
Q: What change in questioning herself did Lee Sung-kyung find beneficial?
A: Instead of questioning herself in a way that led to self-blame, she began asking questions that focused on self-care and checking in on her own well-being.
Q: What helped Lee Sung-kyung ultimately feel healthier?
A: Adopting a mindset of gratitude and happiness, focusing on nutrition and self-care, and keeping a journal were all practices that helped her regain her mental health.
Conclusion
Lee Sung-kyung’s candid conversation on “Jo Hyun-ah’s Thursday Night” about her struggles with mental health last year highlights the importance of mindset, self-care, and the power of perspective in coping with challenges. Her story is a reminder that even in the face of misunderstanding and mental exhaustion, finding a personal strategy for wellness can lead to healing and a healthier state of being. Lee Sung-kyung’s journey is an inspiring testament to the strength and resilience that comes from within.