Reviewed by최연승대표원장
How can I manage my mental well-being when people around me tease or discourage me for dieting?
It is important to first identify your current state. If you are motivated and eager, other people's comments can serve as a catalyst; however, if you are already physically and mentally exhausted, such comments can be detrimental. In the former case, simply brush it off with a light heart, but in the latter, prioritize recovering your body's resilience before pushing forward.
Feeling stressed by the criticism of others can be a signal that your body's 'Qi' (vital energy) is depleted. In Traditional Korean Medicine, this state is often viewed as 'Spleen Deficiency' (脾虛), where the weakened function of the Spleen reduces the body's ability to generate energy. When your physical energy is low, your psychological resilience—your 'mental grit'—weakens accordingly.
Depending on your situation, try these approaches:
First, if you have the motivation but are simply bothered by others' perceptions, it is likely that 'Dam-eum' (痰飮)—phlegm-fluid retention or metabolic waste—has accumulated, making your body feel heavy. As your body becomes lighter and more detoxified, your mental fortitude typically increases. We recommend focusing on finding your own pace through light walking combined with prescriptions that promote circulation.
Second, if your self-esteem has dropped due to repeated failures, this may be a state of 'Eo-hyeol' (瘀血)—blood stasis—where stagnant circulation leads to accumulated psychological frustration or 'Ulhwa' (suppressed anger). Extreme fasting or forced restriction often exacerbates this heat and leads to the yo-yo effect. Instead of the obsession with 'losing weight,' shift your perspective to 'caring for myself.'
Dieting should not be about merely reducing numbers on a scale, but a process of restoring your body's internal balance. If you feel overwhelmed, I recommend visiting the clinic to check your overall physical condition over a warm cup of herbal tea.