Blog 3: Stress, Anxiety, and Finding Light in the Darkness (Episodes 7–9)

Published on 17 May 2025 at 10:23

Personal Reflections

Episodes 7 through 9 brought much-needed comfort. I know what it’s like to feel buried under stress, anxious about not measuring up, and numb with sadness. The podcast’s honest conversation around emotional pain felt like someone finally naming what I’ve carried in silence. Hearing idols open up about their own mental health made me feel less alone in my experience.

Real-World Example

Bang Chan of Stray Kids regularly holds livestreams where he candidly discusses stress, leadership pressure, and mental fatigue. He’s known for checking in on fans’ emotional states and encouraging rest. His sincerity in connecting with others reflects the very core of these episodes: vulnerability isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

Image credit:https://www.goodgoodgood.co/articles/light-and-dark-quotes

Unique Insights

What resonated most was the understanding that anxiety and depression don’t always look like crying or breakdowns. Sometimes, they show up as overachievement, exhaustion, or silence. These episodes emphasized how K-pop’s storytelling—through songs like BTS’s “Spring Day” or SEVENTEEN’s “Trauma”—offers both solace and community. I also loved the recognition of music as a coping tool, not just a distraction.

Practical Takeaways

Recognize signs of emotional burnout early—fatigue, sleep issues, withdrawal.
Replace toxic productivity with healing rituals: journaling, stretching, talking.
Set realistic expectations. You don’t have to do it all at once.
Create an emotional safety kit: favorite songs, breathing exercises, and a support contact.
Songs to soothe and support: "Universe" (EXO), "Turbulence" (ATEEZ), "everything i wanted" (Billie Eilish).