Jung-gu, What Are the Results of Intensive Management During the High-Risk Period for Suicide in Spring?

Early Detection and Intervention Through Suicide High-Risk Screening for Focused Management of Suicide Prevention During High-Risk Periods

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Jung-gu, Seoul (Mayor Seo Yang-ho) is conducting intensive management for high-risk suicide groups facing various difficulties as the high-risk suicide period (March to May) approaches.

According to various statistics, suicide rates tend to increase during the spring months of March to May due to various seasonal factors such as increased daylight, insomnia, and graduation/job-seeking periods. Additionally, the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic has worsened residents' mental, economic, and physical problems, raising the risk of suicide more than ever.

Accordingly, Jung-gu will work to reduce suicide attempt rates through community-based management such as identifying and managing high-risk suicide groups, promoting suicide prevention during high-risk periods, and suicide prevention monitoring.

First, they will identify and manage high-risk suicide groups through measures such as ▲ depression screening for elderly using senior centers ▲ depression screening for single-person households, residents of gosiwon (small, cheap rooms), vulnerable areas, and small business owners ▲ early intervention for high-risk groups and establishment of social support systems ▲ posting promotional materials and campaigns guiding institutions that provide help.

Also, ▲ joint campaigns with related organizations and suicide prevention education to foster a culture of respect for life ▲ posting prevention banners and posters in areas with frequent suicides, distributing promotional materials ▲ sending text messages about the right to seek help to high-risk suicide groups will be conducted to promote prevention during high-risk suicide periods.

Finally, ▲ early detection of high-risk groups and establishment of connection systems through visiting mental health screenings for single-person households ▲ monitoring of briquette sales stores (Hope Sales Stores) to block access to suicide means.

Jung-gu recorded the lowest suicide mortality rate among the 25 autonomous districts in Seoul in the most recent 2020 survey. Last year, the number of suicide deaths in Jung-gu was 16.5 per 100,000 people, significantly lower than the Seoul average of 22.5 and the national average of 25.7. Notably, Jung-gu's suicide mortality rate was 28.1 in 2016, making this achievement over just seven years even more meaningful.

Jung-gu has consistently carried out projects such as the 'Life Connection Stethoscope' and 'Life Keeper' and has operated customized programs for middle-aged and older adults with high suicide mortality rates.

Seo Yang-ho, Mayor of Jung-gu, said, "Suicide rates generally tend to increase in spring," adding, "We will focus on intensive management during the high-risk suicide period to prevent suicides and foster a culture of respect for life, ultimately striving to reduce the suicide mortality rate among residents."