Dongdaemun-gu Distributes Packages Containing Mental Health Checkup Forms and Support Agency Information to Households

Mental Health Community Education Kit: From Packaging to Distribution... Psychological State Analysis and Counseling Conducted Through Screening Forms

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] To address the deepening depression and feelings of isolation among residents due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, Dongdaemun-gu (Mayor You Deok-yeol) is conducting a ‘Non-face-to-face Mental Health Care Activity.’

The ‘Non-face-to-face Mental Health Care Activity’ involves distributing mental health mail packages containing project brochures, depression screening forms, mental health postcards, ten commandments for depression, information on support organizations, and quarantine supplies (such as masks) to households, enabling residents to request help in times of crisis.

The district will first distribute the mental health mail packages to 33 apartment complexes in the area, totaling 6,623 households.

Residents who receive the packages can fill out the depression screening forms and submit them to the ‘Voice of the Mind Box’ installed in the management office. The district collects these forms, and suicide prevention specialists at the public health center assess the psychological state and provide counseling via phone or face-to-face meetings. If a resident is identified as high-risk for suicide during this process, they are connected to mental health welfare centers and psychiatric medical institutions to prevent extreme incidents.

Notably, this ‘Non-face-to-face Mental Health Care Activity’ is significant as it is led by the Dongdaemun-gu Mental Health Resident Education Group, which carries out suicide prevention activities.

The Mental Health Resident Education Group consists of 17 Life Keeper activists who have completed essential competency training. This organization practices life-loving initiatives in Dongdaemun-gu, conducting various suicide prevention activities such as suicide prevention campaigns, mental health screenings, care for single-person households, and creating an environment that respects life.

In this activity, the Mental Health Resident Education Group took the lead in packaging and distributing the mental health mail packages, spreading life-loving activities throughout the community and strengthening motivation to participate in suicide prevention efforts.

Along with distributing the packages, the district plans to broadcast suicide prevention public service advertisements and provide counseling phone numbers through media boards installed in elevators within apartment complexes.

You Deok-yeol, Mayor of Dongdaemun-gu, stated, “People experiencing psychological difficulties are more likely to feel increased depression and isolation due to COVID-19, so we want to carefully embrace the hearts of our residents. Although face-to-face activities are limited, we will do our best to explore various non-face-to-face methods like the ‘Non-face-to-face Mental Health Care Activity’ so that the local community can overcome this crisis together.”

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