Yeongdeungpo-gu Monitors Mental Health Through 'Saengmyeong-eum Stethoscope' Project

Free Mental Health Screening for Depression and Suicide Risk at Nearby Medical Facilities

Yeongdeungpo-gu (District Mayor Choi Ho-kwon) is implementing the ‘Life Connection Stethoscope’ project to care for the mental health of residents exhausted by stress or depression and to help them quickly recover their daily lives.

According to last year’s data from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of depression patients has been continuously increasing at an annual rate of over 7%. If depression is left untreated for a long time, it can lead to extreme choices in the worst cases, requiring careful attention.

Accordingly, the district is conducting the ‘Life Connection Stethoscope’ project, which allows residents experiencing depressive symptoms such as headaches, indigestion, and sleep disorders to visit nearby local clinics or hospitals to receive depression screening tests (PHQ-9) and suicide tendency tests (MINI-Plus).

If the test results indicate severe depressive symptoms or a risk of suicide, with the patient’s consent, they are connected to the public health center for various counseling and support services, including ▲1:1 individual counseling ▲post-monitoring ▲in-depth psychological counseling ▲provision of a ‘Depression Prevention Package’ such as growing companion plants.

All tests and support services are free of charge. The purpose is to help residents visit medical institutions without financial burden to detect and treat mental anxiety or depression early.

First launched in 2019, the ‘Life Connection Stethoscope’ project currently involves 18 clinics and hospitals in the area. With about 1,400 residents participating last year, the project is playing a significant role in protecting the mental health of the community.

In addition, the district operates various mental health programs such as ▲unmanned mental health screening machines ▲creation of ‘Life Respect Paths’ in parks and walking trails ▲‘Visiting Mind Safety Bus’ conducting stress measurement and mental health screening ▲mental health checkups for small business owners and office workers ▲psychological and emotional support for suicide bereaved families.

Choi Ho-kwon, Mayor of Yeongdeungpo-gu, stated, “Depression, which can occur to anyone, is important to diagnose and treat early before symptoms worsen,” and added, “We will continue to carry out various mental health projects for residents experiencing psychological and mental difficulties.”

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