When It's Hard to Hold On, Don't Let Go but Stay Connected...

Counseling Available at Gangdong-gu Suicide Prevention Center, Mental Health Welfare Center, and Help Agencies Including 1393

[Asia Economy Reporter Jongil Park] Gangdong-gu (Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon) is expanding guidance to support organizations and focusing on managing high-risk groups as the number of residents complaining of depression and lethargy caused by the prolonged impact of COVID-19 increases, especially during the high-risk spring season.

The period from March to May, the spring season, is a high-risk time worldwide when suicide rates tend to increase.

Seasonal factors such as increased sunlight, pollen, and fine dust in spring can lead to insomnia, relative deprivation, and recurrence of depression.

Experts estimate that in South Korea, the suicide rate, which is relatively low in winter, tends to increase in spring due to factors such as graduation and job seeking periods.

Spring is a risky time due to environmental factors, so anyone can experience psychological difficulties.

Residents in need of help can receive support from organizations such as ▲Gangdong-gu Suicide Prevention Center ▲Gangdong-gu Mental Health Welfare Center ▲24-hour Suicide Prevention Counseling Hotline.

The Gangdong-gu Public Health Center provides information about support organizations through apartment media boards, outdoor electronic billboards, and LED electronic display stands. In areas with high foot traffic, banners will be installed and flyers distributed to promote access to help for more residents.

Additionally, the Gangdong-gu Mental Health Welfare Center offers additional services such as check-in text messages and phone counseling to registered members. After conducting depression screenings for those connected to the center, high-risk individuals are intensively managed through tailored counseling and linkage to community resources based on their risk level.

Mayor Lee Jeong-hoon of Gangdong-gu said, “If people find their own ‘psychological safe zone’?a space, activity, or person where they can rest or receive comfort when feeling tired or overwhelmed?it will help them achieve psychological stability. Since spring is an important period when suicide risk increases, I hope those experiencing psychological difficulties will seek counseling through support organizations. I also hope we can overcome this high-risk period together by offering warm attention and words of encouragement to neighbors in need.”

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