Broadcast journalist Hong Hye-gul, a former medical journalist, reported that his wife, family medicine specialist Yeo Esther, is suffering from severe depression.
On the 7th, Hong Hye-gul revealed Yeo Esther's recent condition through his social media (SNS), stating, "Even a simple one-line response has become a very difficult obligation, causing her distress." He noted, "Occasionally, grants appearances on YouTube or home shopping broadcasts are merely the minimum tasks for the company and its employees, and after finishing the broadcasts, I lie in my pajamas in the room for the entire week."
Hong Hye-gul explained that Yeo Esther is experiencing symptoms of Anhedonia. Anhedonia is a representative symptom of depression, where individuals are unable to feel any enjoyment from daily activities like traveling, shopping, attending events, or eating at restaurants. He reported, "She shows no interest or curiosity in any activities, even canceling meals with our son and daughter-in-law a few hours in advance."
Hong Hye-gul stated, "I have tried all possible treatments for Yeo Esther, including FDA-approved Spravato treatments, but she faces difficulties in achieving full recovery." Yeo Esther revealed on the YouTube channel "Yeo Esther's Esther TV," which was made public on August 30, that her weight recently dropped to 52 kg due to side effects from the medication.
Meanwhile, Yeo Esther previously confessed to having treatment-resistant depression while appearing on KBS2's "Park Won-sook's Let's Live Together." She said, "Even with medication, 30-40% of the treatment is ineffective. I've undergone a treatment that burns the brain 28 times while hospitalized."