Ham So-won Reveals Harrowing Battle with Depression After Loss and Divorce – A Story of Resilience
Seoul, South Korea – In a deeply personal and courageous revelation, South Korean broadcaster Ham So-won has publicly discussed her struggle with depression, triggered by a miscarriage and subsequent divorce. The 8th of August saw the star taking to social media to share her experiences, sparking a vital conversation about mental health and the pressures faced by public figures. This breaking news story highlights the often-hidden struggles behind the smiles we see on screen, and offers a message of hope to those facing similar challenges. This article is optimized for Google News and SEO to ensure rapid indexing and reach.
The Unseen Pain Behind the Public Persona
Ham So-won, known for her vibrant personality and appearances on the popular TV Chosun show “The Taste of Wife,” revealed that her depression arose during a particularly demanding period in her career. She described a moment of devastating loss – a miscarriage following bleeding during a busy work schedule. “It’s a ridiculous disease to me,” she confessed, questioning how someone as resilient as herself could succumb to such darkness. The loss, compounded by the relentless demands of her profession, proved to be a breaking point.
A Cycle of Self-Blame and Silent Suffering
The broadcaster detailed a torturous cycle of self-blame, replaying the events leading up to the miscarriage and relentlessly questioning what she could have done differently. “Maybe I could have saved the baby… If I hadn’t been a celebrity…” she recounted, describing a nightly ritual of self-punishment. This internal torment continued even as she maintained a cheerful facade for her broadcasting commitments, including a live broadcast shortly after undergoing surgery. She admitted to feeling a desperate desire to be with her child, yet feeling trapped by her professional obligations. This illustrates a common, yet often unspoken, reality for many individuals – the pressure to appear strong even in the face of profound grief.
From Darkness to Hope: A Path to Recovery
Ham So-won’s story isn’t one of despair, but of determined recovery. She emphasized that while she isn’t a medical professional, she successfully navigated her depression through a holistic approach. “I overcame depression by training my body and mind for several years by testing various methods such as exercise, meditation, books, music, half-body bathing, travel, and scented candles,” she shared. This highlights the importance of personalized mental health strategies and the power of self-care. Her experience underscores that recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, but a journey of self-discovery and experimentation.
The Importance of Support and Understanding
Beyond her personal journey, Ham So-won offered a powerful message of empathy and support for others struggling with depression. “If there is someone around you who is suffering from it, it would be good to listen to their story. That in itself can be a great comfort to people with depression,” she stated. This simple act of listening, she believes, can be profoundly impactful. It’s a reminder that offering a non-judgmental ear and validating someone’s feelings can be a lifeline for those battling mental health challenges.
Navigating Life After Divorce and Single Parenthood
The news also comes after Ham So-won’s divorce from Jin Hua, her Chinese husband who was 18 years her junior, in 2022. She is now raising their daughter as a single parent. While the divorce added another layer of complexity to her life, Ham So-won appears determined to create a stable and loving environment for her child. This situation is increasingly common, and her openness about her struggles may resonate with other single parents navigating similar challenges.
Ham So-won’s willingness to share her deeply personal story is a testament to her strength and a powerful contribution to the ongoing conversation surrounding mental health. Her journey serves as a poignant reminder that anyone, regardless of their public image or perceived success, can be vulnerable to depression, and that seeking help and prioritizing self-care are essential steps towards healing and resilience. Her story is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that even after experiencing profound loss and hardship, it is possible to find a path towards a brighter future.
