Psychiatrist Reveals Devastating Losses from Stock Addiction, Battles Depression
A leading psychiatrist has publicly detailed a harrowing personal experience with stock addiction, revealing how a promising career and life savings were nearly destroyed by impulsive investing. The physician, identified as Park Jong-seok, shared his story on the tvN entertainment program ‘You Quiz on the Block’ on Thursday, November 3rd, offering a stark warning about the psychological dangers of market speculation.
Park Jong-seok’s foray into the stock market began in 2011, shortly after achieving specialist qualification. He initially experienced success, investing 30 million won in Samsung Electronics and realizing an 80% profit within five months. “I was so excited that I ate ribs at an expensive restaurant that I couldn’t afford with my salary,” he recounted.
However, this early win proved to be a dangerous illusion. He described the initial profit as “a trap,” attributing it to beginner’s luck. Driven by a misguided belief that he should leverage his gains, Park took increasingly reckless risks. “I immediately created a negative bank account and saved up 10 years of savings and invested 300 million won,” he confessed.
The gamble backfired spectacularly. Just two days after making the substantial investment, a confluence of negative global events – the death of Kim Jong-il in North Korea and the arrest of a key executive at the invested company – triggered a market collapse. Park lost his entire investment. “I lost all my money and my hands were shaking so much that I couldn’t hold the mouse. I thought this was the panic disorder patients were talking about,” he stated.
The financial devastation took a profound toll on his mental health. Park, a graduate of Yonsei University Medical School, admitted to feeling inadequate compared to peers who were achieving traditional markers of success, such as purchasing property and opening private practices. This sense of inadequacy fueled his continued engagement with the stock market, leading to further losses. Rumors of his financial struggles circulated within the hospital, prompting suggestions that he resign. He even experienced suicidal ideation, spending days contemplating the possibility from his 13th-floor officetel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YOUR_YOUTUBE_VIDEO_ID A capture from the tvN ‘You Quiz on the Block’ YouTube video shows Park Jong-seok during his appearance on the program.
Seeking escape from the constant reminders of his failure, Park relocated to Andong, but the isolation only exacerbated his despair. At age 37, he found himself alone, deeply in debt, and estranged from family. He described a period of relentless self-reproach and depression, even finding his psychiatric counseling unhelpful, as the therapists seemed unable to grasp the depth of his emotional turmoil.
Ultimately, with the support of a friend, Park ceased investing in stocks. He now serves as the director of a psychiatric clinic, dedicating his career to raising awareness about stock addiction and its impact on mental health. He offered a poignant observation, stating, “A person who lost 100 million won in stocks knows the feelings of a person who lost 200 million won.”
Park Jong-seok’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the psychological vulnerabilities that can accompany financial risk-taking and the importance of seeking help when struggling with addiction and mental health challenges.
