Proactive Approach for Proper Recovery ... Gyeongnam Province Strengthens Mental Health Support for Residents

Gyeongsangnam-do, which has set the direction for the latter half of the 8th civil administration as "An Era of Happiness for Residents Opened Together," will further strengthen its mental health support policies to care for the mental well-being of its residents.

The province plans to increase the number of "SimSim Convenience Stores," where residents can check their mental state and seek help in their daily lives, from the current 280 locations to 800 by 2027.

At these convenience stores, which encourage and monitor inner well-being, visitors can use the QR codes provided to conduct self-assessments on five aspects of mental health, including stress, depression, and anxiety. Immediate connection to counseling hotlines and counseling applications are also available.

Starting in the second half of this year, the "National Mental Investment Support Project" will provide psychological counseling vouchers to 3,722 residents at risk of mental health issues in the province, based on their health insurance premium payments. The province plans to gradually expand the target group of this project to include the general public by 2026.

Park Ildong, Director of the Health and Medical Bureau of Gyeongnam Province, is announcing the strengthened mental health support system at the provincial government press center. Photo by Lee Seryeong

The number of personnel in the Mental Health Crisis Intervention Team will be increased from 18 to 21 to provide short-term case management.

The Mental Health Data Portal at the Metropolitan Mental Health Welfare Center will establish an information network of psychiatric medical institutions to facilitate smooth treatment.

Additionally, Gyeongnam-style recovery support measures will be prepared, including strengthening rehabilitation and independence services to help people with mental disorders return to daily and social life after treatment.

For residents of medically underserved island areas, mobile health services will be provided using hospital ships, including depression and stress screenings, as well as education.

Furthermore, to support the mental health of children and adolescents, Gyeongsangnam-do, the Gyeongsangnam-do Office of Education, the Youth Counseling and Welfare Center, the Mental Health Welfare Center, and the Wee Center will form a permanent consultative body for joint response.

Signboard and notice of Simsimp Convenience Store. [Image provided by Gyeongnam Provincial Government]

In August, a joint training session will be held to establish a psychological support system for children and adolescents, discussing ways to restore mental health from depression, stress, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

In addition, efforts are being made to secure national funding to support residents suffering from depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to events such as a family member's extreme choice.

Park Ildong, Director of Health and Medical Affairs, explained, "Unlike physical health issues, there is a widespread tendency to hide mental health problems, which often leads to missing the optimal time for treatment. We have strengthened related policies to enable early diagnosis and counseling for mental health."

He added, "Mental health issues are emerging as a major challenge in the face of rapid social change, requiring continuous attention and support. We will continue to develop various measures to promote the mental health of our residents."

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