"I Feel Lonely When Something Bad Happens"... Signs of Depression Seen in Lee El's Confession [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Actress Lee El said she has not dated for seven years and opened up about the anxiety and loneliness she feels in her 40s. Experts explain that when loneliness lasts for a long time, it should be examined alongside everyday health signals such as sleep, drinking, and feelings of depression.
On August 28 last month, a video titled "Unauthorized Salon ep. 2: Not Elegant in Your 40s!" was released on Lee El's YouTube channel, "Lee El Jeol." In the video, Lee El talked with acquaintances about life and emotions in her 40s.
Lee El said, "I never imagined myself at 40. These days are an anxious time with so many worries and concerns, so when I wake up in the morning, I tell myself, 'Jihyeon, you're okay today too.'"
She also spoke about how her life has changed since living on her own. She said, "Before I lived alone, even this felt unfamiliar to me. I moved out and am taking care of my mother, but I don't have a boyfriend or siblings to rely on. If I don't comfort myself, I end up drinking and crying."
Lee El also revealed her long break from dating. She said, "It's been so long since I dated. Can I even say this? It's been seven years." She added, "These days, when something bad happens, I feel lonely. I'm not asking anyone to solve it for me. I just want someone to listen to me and lend me a shoulder."

Loneliness does not simply mean spending time alone. It can grow when a person feels they are not receiving enough relationships or emotional support. In a 2025 report by the World Health Organization (WHO) Commission on Social Connection, the WHO said social isolation and loneliness affect mental and physical health and are also linked to a higher risk of depression and anxiety.
Even if someone spends a long time alone, it may not be a problem as long as daily functioning is maintained and emotions can be regulated. However, if unexplained crying becomes frequent, sleep becomes difficult, appetite changes significantly, and interest in once-enjoyed activities declines, these signs should be checked together with possible depression symptoms.
The National Mental Health Information Portal explains that depression may involve a depressed mood, reduced interest or pleasure, sleep changes, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating. If symptoms continue and affect daily life, it is necessary to confirm the condition through psychiatric care or counseling.

As Lee El described, it is not uncommon to drink on a difficult day and then feel emotionally overwhelmed. Alcohol may seem to ease tension temporarily, but it can reduce sleep quality and increase anxiety and fatigue the next day. If drinking continues while emotions remain unsettled, it can worsen both depression and daily routines.
Reducing loneliness does not necessarily require a romantic relationship or family ties. It can also help to create channels for sharing emotions in daily life, such as friends you can contact regularly, hobby groups, counseling, or exercise. More important than spending less time alone is securing relationships where you can speak openly about difficult feelings.
[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter