Japan's 'May Sickness': 40% Consider Job Change Due to Adaptation Issues and Depression After Holidays
Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Japan is experiencing 'May Sickness,' a phenomenon where individuals feel sluggish and depressed after the Golden Week holidays, often due to difficulties adapting to new environments in April.
- A survey found that 18.5% of respondents have experienced May Sickness, with nearly 40% of those considering changing jobs because of it, and 20.9% actually having done so.
- Experts advise against oversleeping or over-scheduling during the holidays and suggest not pushing oneself too hard if experiencing symptoms.
The phenomenon known as 'May Sickness' (Gogatsu-byล) is a familiar, albeit unwelcome, part of the Japanese post-holiday landscape. As the Nikkei Shimbun reports, this period of lethargy and low mood often strikes after the extended Golden Week holidays, a consequence of the intense pressure to adapt to new work or school environments that typically begins in April.
It's hard to get up and go to work in the morning.
The statistics paint a clear picture of the impact. A survey by Mynavi revealed that nearly one in five respondents (18.5%) have experienced May Sickness. More strikingly, almost 40% of those who have suffered from it have considered changing jobs as a result, with over 20% actually making the leap. This suggests that the post-holiday blues can have profound, career-altering consequences for many in Japan.
My mind isn't at ease even on holidays.
Psychological experts like Ayano Funaki emphasize that the roots of May Sickness often lie in the abrupt transition from a relaxed holiday state to the demands of daily life. The extended break, while cherished, can lead to a disruption of routines, including sleep patterns. Funaki advises against excessive sleeping or overly packed holiday schedules, recommending a gradual return to normalcy and self-compassion for those struggling with the adjustment.
I have no appetite or I overeat.
From our perspective here in Tokyo, this annual occurrence highlights a deeper societal issue regarding work-life balance and the pressures of conformity in Japan. While international media might view Golden Week as simply a long vacation, for many Japanese workers, it's a period that exacerbates underlying anxieties about their professional lives. The 'May Sickness' is not just a fleeting mood; it's a symptom of a system that often demands immense personal sacrifice for professional advancement, and its recurrence year after year warrants continued attention and discussion.
You don't have to push yourself too hard even if you suspect you have May Sickness.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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