"I'm Managing Myself Well!"...7 'Mind Vaccines' for the COVID Era

Seongbuk-gu Psychological Support Center Provides Psychological Support Services to Alleviate Anxiety Due to Prolonged COVID-19 Pandemic

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Seongbuk-gu (Mayor Lee Seung-ro) Psychological Support Center has established a psychological quarantine system to take care of the mental health of local residents suffering from COVID-19.

The Psychological Support Center is a facility operated with support from the Seoul Community Chest of Korea, after applying through the Seongbuk-gu Suicide Prevention Center.

The Psychological Support Center is available not only to COVID-19 confirmed patients, recovered patients, self-quarantined individuals, and COVID-19 related workers, but also to all residents who are directly or indirectly affected by COVID-19.

At the center, stress levels are measured using self-assessment, and mental health information and related counseling are provided in a rest area. In addition, programs offering muscle relaxation and deep breathing training help physical relaxation, and if diagnosed as high-risk based on psychological evaluation results, the individual is linked to the Seongbuk-gu Mental Health Welfare Center for follow-up management.

The district has installed a self-psychological diagnosis kiosk on the first floor of the Lifeline Comprehensive Social Welfare Center for use by any local resident. If desired, consultation with a professional counseling psychologist is also available. The self-psychological diagnosis kiosk is scheduled to be installed soon on the second floor of the district office, and it is expected to greatly aid the psychological quarantine of local residents.

Also, the Seongbuk-gu Public Health Center supports mental health checkups and counseling costs up to three times at mental medical institutions for residents experiencing severe stress, depression, or other psychological difficulties.

A district official said, “Many people are experiencing psychological difficulties due to COVID-19, but with the belief that ‘this too shall pass,’ we will carefully watch over the hearts of residents,” and introduced the '7 Mind Vaccines.'

1. Encouragement Vaccine “Encourage myself” I am managing myself well!

2. Positivity Vaccine “Do good deeds” I will do small things I can help with!

3. Practice Vaccine “Lead by example in following rules” Strict personal hygiene! Wear a mask!

4. Knowledge Vaccine “Know properly” Don’t be fooled by fake news!

5. Hope Vaccine “Know that it will end” It will end soon!

6. Information Vaccine “Know how to get help” There are many places to get help!

7. Balance Vaccine “Maintain rational balance” Trust your reason! Respond wisely and prudently!

Residents needing counseling can visit the Psychological Support Center located on the 2nd floor at 23 Opaesan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, or inquire by phone.

The operating hours are from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and counseling is available by prior appointment.

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