The consumptive disease spoken of in the Donguibogam aligns very closely with modern medicine's burnout syndrome. Burnout is a phenomenon that occurs when physical and mental energy are depleted from long-term exposure to stress, bringing complex symptoms on a completely different dimension from simply being tired. Dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, our body's core system for responding to stress, caused by chronic stimulation, is identified as a primary cause.
In the early stages, it becomes activated with increased secretion of the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline, but persistent stress ultimately brings overload to the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, disrupting hormone regulation. Because of this, cortisol secretion may be insufficient during the day, causing lethargy, while a pattern of being unable to sleep at night may repeat. Additionally, abnormalities appear in the brain's neurotransmitters. Serotonin, which is vital for mood regulation and feelings of happiness, becomes depleted, and as the sensitivity of dopamine receptors involved in motivation and the reward system declines, anhedonia may appear, where one cannot feel pleasure from anything.
This imbalance of hormones and neurotransmitters also adversely affects our body's immune system. Chronic inflammation responses increase and immunity declines, which can make one vulnerable even to minor illnesses. Psychologically, it leads to anhedonia toward work, decreased job efficiency, severe emotional exhaustion, and a cynical attitude toward one's surroundings and oneself. Ultimately, this also negatively affects overall cognitive function, including impaired concentration, memory impairment, and weakened decision-making ability. While at first it may feel like a mild complaint of 'I do not want to go to work,' it is crucial to recognize that as time passes, it is a serious condition where lethargy can expand into every area of life. Therefore, if these symptoms persist, do not blame yourself by saying 'it is because I am weak'; receive them as important warning lights from your body and mind, and care for yourself proactively.
