Seoul Citizens Experiencing 'Corona Blue' Receive Mental Health Institution Screening and Counseling Support

Seoul City Provides Mental Health Defense Service to Overcome Depression

[Asia Economy Reporter Jo In-kyung] On the 22nd, the Seoul Metropolitan Government announced that it will provide a 'Mental Health Defense Service' to comfort citizens who are mentally struggling due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic and to promote awareness of the importance of life.

The city will support up to 80,000 KRW per person for psychological examinations and consultations at professional mental health institutions for Seoul citizens experiencing psychological difficulties due to COVID-19. Seoul citizens aged 19 or older who wish to use the service can check participating medical institutions on the local public health center or the mental health information website Blue Touch under 'Mental Health, Mind Talk Talk,' make a reservation by phone in advance, and then use the service.

Professional consultations for COVID-19 depression are also available. Services are provided through the Mental Health Counseling Hotline, Seoul Mental Health Welfare Center, regional mental health welfare centers, and Seoul Psychological Support Center, and citizens in need of counseling can receive consultations by phone.

The 'Seoul COVID-19 Psychological Support Team,' launched in March, distributes content to support mental health for COVID-19 depression, such as the 'Autumn Mind Prescription.' They offer COVID-19 related videos for practitioners and the general public, including 'Sebasi (Time to Change the World),' 'Koala (Live Broadcast Discussing What COVID-19 Teaches Us),' and 'Expert Webinars.' Additionally, broadcasts such as the 'Chuseok Seoul Citizens Counseling Festival' held on the 17th and 18th, themed on overcoming COVID-19 blues, are available for replay.

Seoul also plans to implement 'S-Life Keeper,' the nation's first online life-respect education program based on the philosophy of valuing life, to realize a Seoul where citizens help and protect each other.

Park Yu-mi, Seoul’s Quarantine Control Officer (Director of the Citizen Health Bureau), said, "As social distancing leaves both body and mind exhausted these days, we hope that anyone can use the online and offline content prepared by Seoul to overcome COVID-19 depression and close the emotional distance."