Lee Sang-min Struggles with Panic Disorder on 'My Little Old Boy'

In the latest episode of SBS's 'My Little Old Boy' (미운우리새끼), Lee Sang-min revealed his ongoing battle with panic disorder, which has severely impacted his daily life. During the broadcast on January 19, viewers saw Lee hurriedly taking his medication while in the car, followed by a quick sip of coffee. He expressed his concerns, stating, "I need to sleep well tonight," highlighting his struggles with insomnia due to his condition. Lee shared that he often feels most comfortable at home or in his car because of his panic disorder, and he has been advised to reduce his medication after over ten years of reliance on it.

He consulted a specialist, expressing his desire to know if it was feasible to decrease his medication. Lee recounted a distressing experience during a four-day trip to Japan, where he had to cancel his plans because he forgot to bring enough medication, illustrating his high dependency on it. He emphasized the need to return home after work to feel at ease. Lee also recalled two panic attacks he experienced when he attempted to reduce his medication, describing episodes of hyperventilation and irregular heartbeat, which required his manager to assist him home.

When discussing the necessity of venturing outside without medication, the specialist noted that panic serves as a warning system for potential dangers. Lee's condition has made everyday interactions, such as conversations and meals with others, significantly challenging, and he reported a recent increase in depressive symptoms, now at about 25%.