Imsil-gun Leads Efforts to Address Mental Health Challenges Among Children and Adolescents

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Park Nosik] On the 14th, Imsil-gun conducted mental health promotion and suicide prevention education for 5th and 6th graders at Girim Elementary School, adhering to COVID-19 prevention guidelines such as wearing masks and maintaining social distancing.

During the growth period when emotional development is active and feelings are sensitive, preventing suicide and self-harm issues and playing the role of a primary preventer when discovering friends with suicidal problems is of utmost importance.

To this end, the county continuously conducts life protector training for children and adolescents.

In the education session held that day, the introduction presented OECD suicide rates and statistics on causes of death among youth to raise interest in the topic, and explained warning signs of suicide divided into emotional, verbal, behavioral, and situational indicators.

Additionally, through quizzes, participants shared specific ways to provide help and learned about professional institutions where help can be requested.

Jeon Hyungshim, Director of the Health Project Division, said, “I hope this education serves as an opportunity not only to protect oneself from the risk of suicide but also to protect beloved family and friends together.”

He added, “The Health and Medical Center provides phone and visit counseling for children and adolescents facing difficulties in mental health such as school violence, suicide, and depression, as well as for residents interested in mental health. If you need help, please feel free to contact the Imsil-gun Mental Health Welfare Center (640-3124, 3125).”

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