病気 (byouki) - sickness, illness

 

1. Today's Japanese words

Here's some basic Japanese vocabulary about being sick and illnesses, with romaji pronunciation:

**General illness:**

* 病気 (byouki) - sickness, illness

* 具合 (guai) - condition, how you're feeling

* 熱 (netsu) - fever

* 咳 (seki) - cough

* 風邪 (kaze) - cold

* 頭痛 (zutsuu) - headache

* 腹痛 (fukutsuu) - stomachache

* 吐き気 (mukiki) - nausea

* 下痢 (geri) - diarrhea

**Symptoms:**

* だるい (darui) - tired, sluggish

* 痛い (itai) -痛い (itai) - hurts

* むずむずする (muzuzuzu suru) - itchy

* 息切れ (ikigire) - shortness of breath

* のどが痛い (nodo ga itai) - sore throat

* 鼻水 (hanamizu) - runny nose

* 熱っぽい (netsuppoi) - feverish

**Phrases:**

* 具合が悪い (guai ga warui) - I don't feel well.

* 熱があります (netsu ga arimasu) - I have a fever.

* 風邪を引きました (kaze wo hikimashita) - I caught a cold.

* 医者に行きます (isha ni ikimasu) - I'm going to the doctor.

* 薬 (kusuri) - medicine

2. Today's topic

Gogatsubyō (五月病)

"May disease," or **gogatsubyō (五月病)** in Japanese, is a common phenomenon in Japan where people experience feelings of fatigue, demotivation, and anxiety following the Golden Week holiday period in May. 

**Symptoms of May disease:**

* Fatigue

* Lack of motivation

* Irritability

* Difficulty concentrating

* Changes in appetite

* Sleep disturbances

* Feelings of sadness or anxiety

**Causes of May disease:**

* **Post-holiday letdown:** The Golden Week holiday period in Japan is a week-long break from work and school, and many people use this time to travel and relax. However, the return to work and school after the holidays can be difficult, and this can lead to feelings of fatigue and demotivation.

* **Environmental factors:** The weather in Japan starts to get warmer and more humid in May, which can also contribute to feelings of fatigue and lethargy.

* **Psychological factors:** May is also a time of year when many people are making new adjustments in their lives, such as starting a new school or job. These changes can be stressful and can also contribute to symptoms of May disease.

**Prevention and treatment of May disease:**

* **Maintain a healthy lifestyle:** Eating a healthy diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep can all help to improve your mood and energy levels.

* **Manage stress:** Find healthy ways to manage stress, such as yoga, meditation, or spending time in nature.

* **Stay connected with others:** Social interaction can help to boost your mood and reduce feelings of isolation.

* **Seek professional help:** If you are experiencing severe symptoms of May disease, such as depression or anxiety, it is important to seek professional help from a therapist or counselor.

**Additional information:**

* May disease is not a recognized medical condition, but it is a common phenomenon in Japan.

* There is no specific cure for May disease, but the symptoms can be managed with lifestyle changes and, if necessary, professional help.

* If you are concerned about May disease, talk to your doctor or a mental health professional.

3- Today’s news

Doctor in Japan warns of 'spring fatigue' that can worsen as business year starts

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240423/p2a/00m/0li/008000c

a mental health clinic doctor is warning of "spring fatigue" symptoms including anxiety, exhaustion and difficultly getting to sleep.

Ex-Japan PM Aso meets Trump in New York

https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20240423/p2g/00m/0na/017000c