Yeongdeungpo-gu Provides Psychological Counseling to Residents Expressing Anxiety

Psychological Quarantine Measures for Self-Isolated Individuals Amid Prolonged COVID-19... Weekly 1-2 Phone Consultations for One Month... Systematic Psychological Counseling in 5 Stages... Continuous Monitoring for 6 Months... Mental Health Welfare Center Counseling Available for All Residents Facing COVID-19 Difficulties

At the former Disaster and Safety Countermeasures Headquarters situation room, staff members are listening to and guiding residents' inquiries.

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Chae Hyun-il) is protecting the lives and safety of its residents by providing psychological counseling to those experiencing anxiety and stress due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

As COVID-19 has persisted for over two months, a new term "Corona Blue" (blue, meaning depression) has emerged due to reduced outdoor activities, and the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a pandemic on the 12th, continuing the fear of infectious diseases.

In response, the district is helping residents overcome psychological difficulties caused by COVID-19 through a systematic five-step psychological counseling support program.

First, residents under self-quarantine are informed about the availability of psychological counseling and, if desired, receive in-depth telephone counseling once or twice a week for one month.

Based on the disaster mental health assessment scale, depression is measured, and a systematic program is provided: △Step 1: Taking care of my daily life and health △Step 2: Arousal control △Step 3: Breathing △Step 4: Imagining a safe place △Step 5: Butterfly hug, aiming to promote the psychological stability of the counseling recipient.

Subsequently, the psychological progress of the counselee is monitored to decide whether to conclude counseling, and continuous monitoring is conducted for six months after the conclusion.

In particular, if the individual is judged to be in a high-risk group with severe depression or requires professional medical treatment, the district plans to connect them to relevant institutions or provide corresponding treatment to protect the safety and lives of residents.

The district also offers one-on-one counseling to any resident feeling stress or depression in the current situation, even if they are not under self-quarantine. Those in need of assistance can contact the Yeongdeungpo-gu Mental Health Welfare Center at ☎2670-4793.

Chae Hyun-il, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “Excessive stress and depression can weaken immunity, making one vulnerable to viruses. We will spare no effort to provide systematic psychological counseling and support to help overcome anxiety caused by COVID-19.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.