There has always been anxiety and stress in many aspects of life. However, this year's pandemic has brought sudden loss to many people. Those who have lost loved ones to an invisible virus, the trauma of those who returned from death but fought in isolation, feeling scared and in pain, and those who suddenly became unemployed. People who have lost their workplaces and homes, as well as the relationships and foundations they built over decades... Now, the efforts to gradually return to normal are hesitating in the face of the fear that greater chaos may overwhelm us, along with the difficulty of managing our emotions. But we cannot continue living like this. In this September issue, we have selected books that can help with our daily psychological state, which has been unstable and stressful, and stories of recovery from those who have experienced the fear of death and sudden loss.

Research and organization by Son Min-jeong, Editor

When You Just Want to Feel Better

A First Aid Kit for Your Mind for Those Who Sometimes Feel Depressed and Anxious
By Lee Doo-hyung / Simsim
"I wish I had a psychiatrist I could talk to." 
Advice that serves as life’s pills to be taken out in times of mental emergency. When life feels inappropriate and you find yourself inexplicably angry. When you feel anxious or depressed for no reason and wonder if something is wrong with you. When you experience life-altering losses such as breakups, unemployment, or the death of a loved one and feel emptiness. And when it seems that the more you try, the unhappier you become. Is there a way to take action before small discomforts or seemingly minor emotional wounds escalate into significant pain or suffering? In those moments of anxiety, depression, or distress when you hesitate to visit a psychiatrist, how can you assess your condition and seek urgent help? It seems that hospitals are places you only go when you are "seriously ill." Especially when seeking "psychiatry" during difficult times, the stigma and prejudices can make you hesitate to seek help for "just feeling a bit uncomfortable." If you had a "psychiatrist you know," wouldn't it be easier to ask for advice? Dr. Lee Doo-hyung, a psychiatrist in Korea, wants to be that "known psychiatrist" for readers. Whether you are someone who feels relatively mild discomfort, such as anxiety spiraling in your mind or procrastinating on work and decisions, or someone carrying heavier wounds, such as forgetting the reason to live or only encountering people who harm you, you can gain calm and practical advice from this book.

You Are Right

The Appropriate Psychology of Jeong Hye-shin
By Jeong Hye-shin / Haenaem
How are you feeling right now? "How difficult has it been for you?" A simple yet solid "home-cooked meal" of psychology built with empathy and boundaries! A book for those suffering from chronic "self" famine and relational conflicts. 
As we struggle to meet the expectations of others, endure in organizations that exploit us with forced smiles, and chase after societal standards of success and efficiency, our own feelings often take a backseat amidst the exhaustion of relationships. In a reality that is becoming increasingly harsh, one in three Koreans experiences depressive symptoms, and the suicide rate remains among the highest in the world. Are we okay? Psychiatrist Jeong Hye-shin, who has been with those suffering from social disasters and everyday moments, diagnoses that we desperately need "psychological CPR." Over the past 15 years, she has met the inner thoughts of various individuals, from ordinary people to trauma victims and CEOs, confirming that many are collapsing and hurting in our society. In this emergency situation, the author aims to guide anyone in learning the action guidelines for psychological CPR through this book. This practical guide, filled with methods that can "save me and help you," is the culmination of her experiences and dedication as a psychiatrist and healer on the streets for over 30 years.

I Often Wanted to Die, 
But Sometimes I Really Wanted to Live

A Life Anthem from a Psychologist Who Overcame Schizophrenia
By Arnhild Lauveng / Think Garden
"How did I survive despair? And how did I regain my dreams and happiness?"

A psychologist's confession to all broken hearts in the world. 
Arnhild Lauveng, recognized as a leading psychologist in Norway, once suffered immense pain and despair to the point where death seemed to be the only option. Yet paradoxically, the more she suffered, the more she desperately wanted to live and be truly happy. The source of her despair was schizophrenia and the prejudice and discrimination she faced as a patient. As a high-achieving student dreaming of becoming a psychologist, she suddenly began experiencing hallucinations and delusions, turning her world gray. Everyone said schizophrenia was incurable and that she had to learn to live with it. But Arnhild did not want that. She could not give up her dream of being a psychologist, her hope of recovery, and above all, herself. After more than a decade of struggle, she finally overcame schizophrenia and earned a master's degree in psychology from the University of Oslo, now working as a clinical psychologist. Her dazzling struggle, which ultimately blossomed into hope, serves as encouragement for all of us living with our own pains. Her life anthem reveals how precious and beautiful life is, and how great it is to not lose hope.

Option B

Facing Adversity, Building Resilience, and Finding Joy in Life
By Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant / Wiseberry
We are interested in living our best life, "Option A," but we rarely have the opportunity to think about and learn how to live "Option B," the alternative life we face due to loss and adversity. "Option B" is a book that addresses this issue head-on. It shares Sheryl Sandberg's honest experiences and insights from Adam Grant, a psychology professor at Wharton and author of "Originals," on how to confront adversity and build resilience. 
Sheryl Sandberg, author of the bestselling "Lean In," was a leading business leader (COO of Facebook), chair of a nonprofit organization encouraging women's social engagement, a devoted wife sharing love and support with her husband, and a mother of two children, living life to the fullest. Then, in 2015, she faced the tragedy of her husband's sudden death while on vacation, plunging her into shock. Sheryl expressed her feelings during that time of agony, saying, "I fell into emptiness. A vast emptiness filled my chest and lungs, making it impossible to think or breathe." Her confidence plummeted, she struggled to make decisions, and she became lethargic. As a result, the balance in her relationships, work, and personal life began to crumble. Most importantly, she was consumed by extreme anxiety about her young children, aged 7 and 10, living with lifelong scars.

At that moment, Sheryl's friend Adam Grant offered a clue to recovery. He explained that while sadness is an unavoidable process, there are ways for her and her children to alleviate suffering and overcome adversity through the psychological concept of "resilience." He provided advice on the basic mindset needed to cultivate resilience and specific ways to practice it in daily life. Fortunately, resilience is not innate; it can be developed through effort and practice, much like a muscle. 
This book candidly and vividly recounts how Sheryl and her children gradually overcome loss and pain and heal their inner selves, based on Adam's psychological advice. It also offers practical advice on the challenges faced by those confronted with adversity and loss. Furthermore, the book does not solely focus on Sheryl's personal loss and recovery. It examines research findings on individuals who have experienced "post-traumatic growth" from various adversities encountered in life, such as bullying, illness, unemployment, divorce, sexual violence, natural disasters, discrimination against sexual minorities, the death of loved ones, and refugee experiences, sharing their experiences and wisdom with readers. Sheryl and Adam emphasize that resilience emerges from deep within us but can be fully realized with external support. They delve into how families can support and help each other and what assistance workplaces and society should provide to suffering employees. This book offers readers new grounds for hope, suggesting ways for individuals and communities to navigate any form of "Option B" situation while striving to live their best lives.