Korean Job Discussion Forums

[alphakennyone]

I've had a two week vacation to Thailand planned for awhile and the trip is coming up. However I've also been experiencing some pretty deep depression for the past month. I'm really tempted to just cancel the trip as I feel very little motivation to go out and do things like that right now, yet I also feel I'd be wasting an opportunity as vacation days can be a scarce commodity here. I'd be traveling alone, by the way.

Anyone have any experience with this? What would you do? I get the idea going to bars and throwing back beer for two weeks wouldn't be very good for my mental or physical health.

[BoholDiver]

Or it might snap you out of it. It would for me, for sure.

Maybe a new perspective on things will help you. You can see Thai people and how poor they are, and feel some appreciation for your current situation.

[JJJ]

Get a hut on the beach and chillax. You gotta change your environment, get some some, read a book, enjoy a massage and rest.

Have fun. Wish I could go...I'm desk-warming....darn it, now I feel depressed.

[VanIslander]

[Kaypea]

Try staying at the Hostelling International in Bangkok (Sukhmavit)... I found it was good for the mood and not being lonely. Definitely don't NOT go to Thailand. I've all smiles since my 2 weeks there (and I wasn't feeling that great before I went, either)

[jlb]

For real. Ditch the drinking. Why don't you try scuba diving? It's about 4 days for an open water course. Check out www.wickeddiving.com in Khao Lak. It's not a party place and the people at the shop are crazy friendly. Go on a liveaboard trip and you'll have plenty of people to chill out for 3 days and you won't be lonely.

Or...do a homestay in some of the villages. Sign up for a tour so you'll be traveling with other people.

[Faunaki]

It really depends on the level of depression. If it's the kind that can be relieved through trips, sun, beaches, then go for it. If it's the deeper kind, then it's better to find a good doctor and deal with it before rushing off somewhere.

[Michelle]

[shostahoosier]

I agree with everyone else.

Environement is a major factor in depression. You might find it helpful to be in the tropical sun for a few days. I definitely enjoyed ditching my boots and wearing flip flops.

And you dont need to drink in Thailand to have a good time. There's so much to do and the other foreigners you meet will be nothing but friendly.

Either way I hope you feel better...

[missyinseoul]

If you're travelling alone though, and you know yourself in those kind of situations, you can still postpone and save your vacation time and money for another time.

If you're 50/50 about it, definitely try to go though.I just came back from Thailand a week ago and the trip was pretty exciting.

Best way to get out of feeling down is to exercise and to give yourself a goal. Or to throw yourself into a new environment and try a ton of new things.

Good luck!

[Harpeau]

Going to Thailand might just do the trick. Alchohol is a depressant. Jasmine tea is a mild anti-depressant. Getting lots of sun might be nice. A jog on the beach might also pick-up your spirits.

If you go. have fun!!

[jugbandjames]

I dunno if you're talking about clinical depression or what, but I would imagine travelling is more likely to help your depression than moping around the house. Even if it's a chemical disorder, being more active and mentally stimulated will help.

[I-am-me]

Leave Korea NOW!!!

[SuzyQ2828]

I was depressed for the whole month of January. i get really bad seasonal depression. But since the weather started warming up, I have felt so much happier.

Not to generalize, but if you get seasonal depression, a vacation to a tropical beach might be perfect!

[BoholDiver]

I used to get depressed around November or so every year. Not anymore much, but I can get bummed out on my job or whatever.

I am currently a bit bummed on work and I feel strained, overworked. It's totally psychological. A vacation will clear that up in a hurry.