"Let's Find Hope in Life Together"... Songpa-gu Leads Suicide Prevention Efforts

Published 02 May.2020 08:23(KST)

Posting Counseling Guide Posters in High Foot Traffic Areas... Intensive Close Management Including Phone Counseling for High-Risk Suicide Groups

Songpa-gu has posted counseling information and promotional materials in various locations to support residents' mental health and suicide prevention.

[Asia Economy Reporter Jong-il Park] Songpa-gu (Mayor Park Seong-su) is taking the lead in suicide prevention and fostering a culture of respect for life by caring for the mental health of its residents.

According to the district, spring (March to May) has a higher suicide rate compared to other seasons. As temperatures rise and surroundings brighten, feelings of depression and deprivation carried over from winter can intensify.

Recently, with the added impact of COVID-19, depression and anxiety such as "Corona Blue" have penetrated local communities, making psychological quarantine to heal the mind even more important.

Earlier in March, the district began telephone psychological counseling for self-quarantined individuals experiencing emotional difficulties due to COVID-19. Professional counselors from the Songpa-gu Mental Health Welfare Center conduct consultations and connect clients to specialized mental health services such as intensive treatment to help them return to daily life.

Alongside this, Songpa-gu has launched suicide prevention guidance to ensure anyone can receive help at any time. Posters containing information about counseling institutions have been posted in various locations including apartment complexes, parks, community service centers, and welfare centers.

Furthermore, regular telephone counseling is provided to high-risk groups for suicide to monitor their health and safety. Residents trained in suicide prevention act as "Life Keepers," offering companionship services and connecting individuals to the Songpa-gu Mental Health Welfare Center for in-depth management.

In addition, stores selling charcoal briquettes have been designated as "Life Keeper Hope Sales Points" to prevent charcoal briquettes from being misused as a means of ending life. Currently, 97 locations including marts and hardware stores participate by displaying charcoal briquettes out of sight and providing counseling information if suicide risk is suspected, thereby establishing a safety net.

Going forward, the district plans to care for the weary hearts of residents through strengthening public-private cooperation systems with welfare facilities, police, and religious organizations; suicide prevention keeper education; training life keeper activists; and campaigns to improve awareness of respect for life.

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “These days, prolonged COVID-19 makes people psychologically withdrawn and prone to depression. At times like this, we will carefully look after the mental health of our residents and do our best so that everyone can enjoy a healthy and happy daily life.”