Should We Try Psychological Counseling for COVID-19 and Monsoon Blues?

Seongdong-gu Provides Free 'Professional Psychological Counseling Service' for COVID Blue... From 1st Online Test to 2nd Professional Counseling, Removing Cost and Time Barriers

Experts and Art Psychological Counseling

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] With continuous rain and the prolonged fear of virus infection disrupting daily life,

more people are worrying whether there might be something wrong with them as their mood sinks into depression and anxiety.

Seongdong-gu (Mayor Jung Won-oh) is conducting a specialized psychological counseling service called the ‘Interactive Mindfulness Program’ for residents struggling with lifestyle changes caused by the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

The district will launch an online psychological testing system on its website this September. This allows residents who want to check their psychological state due to unexplained depression or lethargy to easily take the test anytime without time, cost, or psychological burden.

The test consists of six assessments divided into two major categories: emotional aspects based on communication and empathy skills, and learning aspects such as parenting styles and learning maladjustment checks due to changes in the educational environment. A professional psychological test tailored by a specialized institution has been introduced.

After the first online test, if a more in-depth assessment and counseling are needed, residents can receive a second face-to-face art psychological counseling session with an expert.

The art psychological counseling is conducted by a professional counseling psychology PhD and involves art therapy using drawings. Based on the online psychological counseling results, it is divided into individual and group sessions and conducted over three weeks with a customized schedule.

Additionally, if necessary, continuous management is maintained in cooperation with local health centers to provide integrated care for complete emotional recovery, not just test provision.

A district official said, “We made it easy to use for free by utilizing the non-face-to-face nature of online services for those who could not receive psychological counseling due to costs exceeding hundreds of thousands of won and various restrictions,” adding, “We will first provide counseling services mainly for adolescents and parents and plan to expand the target to seniors and others in the future.”

Psychological counseling will be conducted for 4,000 children, youth, and parents residing in Seongdong-gu, with the principle of one category test per person, until the end of this year.

Mayor Jung Won-oh said, “Concerned that residents’ bodies and minds are very exhausted due to ongoing national difficulties, we planned this project to offer some help,” and added, “Through smart mind care befitting a smart inclusive city like Seongdong, we will strive to ensure that all members, regardless of age or gender, can enjoy the right to active care.”

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