Lyn: "I feel at ease when I’m in the bathroom"—Anxiety signal behind seeking confined spaces [Health Talk]

[Financial News] Singer Lyn said she feels at ease when she is in the bathroom, the narrowest space in her home. Her remarks have drawn attention to the behavior of repeatedly seeking a specific space when anxiety becomes severe. If the feeling of growing anxiety in wide-open spaces recurs, it is necessary to determine whether it is related to panic symptoms or an anxiety disorder.

On the 6th, SBS entertainment program 'My Little Old Boy' showed Lyn’s daily life. Lyn had previously attracted attention by doing household activities, such as knitting and monitoring her performances, in the bathroom. In this episode, she also began her morning by eating fruit on the bathroom floor.
Lyn previously explained why she stays in the bathroom on the SBS Radio Cultwo Show, saying, "It’s the narrowest space in my home. I feel at ease when I’m there," and adding, "When it’s too spacious, I feel like something like a panic attack might come on."

According to medical information from Seoul National University Hospital, panic disorder is characterized primarily by panic attacks—extreme anxiety symptoms that arise unexpectedly without a specific reason. During a panic attack, physical symptoms such as a rapid heartbeat, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and sweating may occur.
Anxiety can also lead to avoiding certain places or situations. According to the National Mental Health Information Portal, people with anxiety disorders may avoid situations likely to trigger anxiety or situations they find anxiety-provoking. If this avoidance is repeated, it can affect daily activities such as going out, social relationships, work, and school.
Lyn’s statement that she feels "like something like a panic attack might come on" in overly spacious places cannot be treated as a confirmed diagnosis. However, if severe anxiety repeatedly occurs in wide-open spaces, crowded places, or situations where a person feels it would be difficult to escape, it is necessary to determine whether the symptoms are related to panic disorder or agoraphobia.

The spaces where people feel at ease vary from person to person. Some people relax in places with fewer external stimuli, such as a small room, bathroom, or car. The concern arises when a person can feel calm only by staying in a particular space and begins to reduce activities outside it.

In addition, when anxiety activates the sympathetic nervous system, physical symptoms such as headaches, an increased heart rate, faster breathing, and gastrointestinal problems may occur. If anxiety or physical symptoms make daily activities difficult, the cause should be evaluated through medical care and counseling.

Panic symptoms must also be distinguished from heart disease, thyroid disease, respiratory conditions, and medication effects. If sudden chest pain, fainting, severe difficulty breathing, paralysis on one side of the body, or impaired consciousness occurs, do not assume it is solely a mental health issue; seek emergency medical care.

Meanwhile, Lyn married Lee Soo of M.C the Max in 2014, but they divorced by mutual agreement last year. They have no children.


[email protected] Han Seung-gon Reporter