Prominent Psychiatrist Reveals Devastating Stock Market Losses, Battles dark Thoughts
Seoul, South Korea – December 4, 2025 – Renowned psychiatrist Park Jong-seok has publicly disclosed a harrowing personal experience with stock market addiction and the subsequent financial ruin that followed. In a candid appearance on the popular tvN program “You Quiz on the Block,” Dr. Park detailed a rapid rise and fall fueled by risky investment decisions, culminating in a period of intense despair and even suicidal ideation.
Dr. Park’s foray into the stock market began in 2011, shortly after achieving specialist qualification. An initial investment of 30 million won in Samsung Electronics yielded an impressive 80% profit within five months, sparking a dangerous confidence. “I was so excited, I ate ribs at an expensive restaurant that I couldn’t afford with my salary,” he recounted.
However, this early success proved to be a deceptive lure. Dr. park, believing he had discovered a winning formula, leveraged his savings and borrowed heavily, investing a total of 300 million won. This gamble backfired spectacularly.Just two days after making the substantial investment, the unexpected death of North Korean leader kim Jong-il, coupled with the arrest of a key executive at the company he’d invested in, triggered a market collapse.
“I lost all my money,” Dr. Park confessed, describing the physical and emotional toll. “My hands
Is it ethical for a therapist to subtly discuss their own financial stressors during a client’s session?
My Shrink’s Stock Market Meltdown
The Unexpected Intersection of Mental Health and financial Stress
it’s ironic, isn’t it? We seek therapists to navigate life’s stresses, to build resilience, and to develop coping mechanisms. But what happens when they are the ones crumbling under pressure – specifically, financial pressure stemming from the volatile stock market? As a psychiatrist, I’ve witnessed firsthand the ripple effects of market downturns on mental wellbeing. But experiencing it through the lens of my own therapist’s distress was… illuminating.This isn’t about breaching confidentiality; it’s about recognizing a pattern and offering insights into financial anxiety, investment psychology, and the importance of boundaries, even in therapy.
recognizing the Signs: When Your Therapist is Struggling
The initial clues were subtle. A slight shift in tone during our sessions. A noticeable increase in cancellations, often with short notice. then came the admission, carefully worded, about “some personal investments not performing as expected.” it wasn’t a detailed disclosure of portfolio losses, but the underlying stress was palpable.
Here’s what to look for if you suspect your therapist is experiencing significant personal difficulties:
* Increased Cancellations/Rescheduling: A sudden change in availability.
* Emotional Distance: A less engaged or empathetic demeanor.
* focus Shift: Subtle (or not-so-subtle) steering of conversations towards their own challenges.
* Boundary Violations: Sharing inappropriate personal details. (This is a serious red flag – see section on ethical considerations).
* Changes in Session Focus: Less attention to your needs and more on generalized anxieties.
It’s crucial to remember that therapists are human. They experience life’s ups and downs just like everyone else. However, their ability to provide effective mental health support is compromised when they are overwhelmed by their own issues.
The Psychology of Investment Losses & Emotional Impact
The stock market crash of 2022, and the continued volatility in 2023 and 2024, served as a stark reminder of the emotional toll investing can take.Losses aren’t just about money; they trigger a cascade of feelings:
* Fear & Anxiety: Worry about future financial security.
* Regret: Second-guessing investment decisions.
* Shame & Embarrassment: Feeling foolish or irresponsible.
* Loss of Control: A sense of helplessness in the face of market forces.
* Depression: Prolonged sadness and hopelessness.
Thes emotions are amplified for individuals who have a strong emotional connection to their investments – perhaps viewing them as a path to retirement, their children’s education, or a sense of accomplishment. Understanding behavioral finance is key. We aren’t always rational actors when it comes to money. Investment decisions are frequently enough driven by emotion, not logic.
Ethical Considerations: Boundaries in therapy
My therapist’s situation raised significant ethical questions. Therapists have a professional obligation to maintain boundaries and prioritize their clients’ wellbeing.Sharing personal financial struggles, even indirectly, can:
* Shift the Power Dynamic: Turning the therapeutic relationship into something resembling peer support.
* Impair Objectivity: Making it difficult to provide unbiased guidance.
* Create a Burden for the Client: The client may feel obligated to offer support or reassurance.
The American Psychiatric Association and other professional organizations have clear guidelines on maintaining professional boundaries. If a therapist is struggling with personal issues that are impacting their ability to practice effectively, they have a responsibility to seek their own therapy or take a leave of absence. Mental health professionals need support too.
Seeking a New Therapist: what to Do When Boundaries are Crossed
Ultimately, I made the difficult decision to terminate therapy with my therapist. It wasn’t a judgment of character, but a recognition that the therapeutic relationship had become compromised. Here’s what I recommend if you find yourself in a similar situation:
- Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s okay to feel confused,disappointed,or even angry.
- Document Your Concerns: Keep a record of specific instances that raised red flags.
- Consider a Consultation: Talk to another mental health professional about your experience.
- Find a New Therapist: Prioritize finding someone who can provide a safe, supportive, and uncompromised therapeutic surroundings. Resources like
