Taking Care of the Mental Health of Gangbuk-gu Employees and Tongbanjangs

Psychological Quarantine Program... Early Detection of High-Risk Groups for Stress and Depression... Mental Health Screening and Counseling for 1,313 Public Officials Including District Employees, Community Leaders, and Volunteers

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] As the workload related to responding to the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19) increases day by day, the number of employees complaining of stress and depression is gradually rising.

In particular, public officials in charge of infectious diseases and safety who directly participate in various disaster sites are vulnerable to disaster trauma, making active psychological support necessary.

Gangbuk-gu (District Mayor Park Gyeom-su) has started taking care of the mental health of public officials while providing a year-round "Mental Health Program" for residents.

This project was prepared with the purpose of early detection of high-risk groups vulnerable to stress and depression and providing interventions such as treatment linkage and counseling. It is expected to contribute to strengthening administrative service capabilities through improved personal stress management skills and mental and physical stability.

The subjects for examination are 1,313 people including Gangbuk-gu employees, public workers, security guards, neighborhood leaders, and volunteers. Psychological tests and counseling will be conducted at the Gangbuk-gu Health Center training room for four days from the 27th to the 30th of this month.

Mental health professionals involved in the examination process will use assessment tools to identify first and second-stage examinees. Those identified as high-risk in the first diagnosis will be provided with counseling and case management services to alleviate symptoms depending on the situation. If medical intervention is necessary, early treatment will be supported by linking with specialized medical institutions.

Park Gyeom-su, Mayor of Gangbuk-gu, said, "To protect the mental health and safety of local residents from COVID-19, psychological quarantine for public officials including medical staff must be carried out simultaneously," adding, "We will continuously strive to establish an optimal psychological support system for those suffering mentally and physically to promote healing and recovery."

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