Public Mental Health Lecture by Professor Haji Hyun at Nowon-gu Office Auditorium on the 18th at 10 AM
Mobile Mental Health Counseling and Mental Health Day Commemoration Campaign Held
Event for Mental Illness Patients and Mental Disability Human Rights Film Festival on the 12th Scheduled
Nowon-gu, Seoul (District Mayor Oh Seung-rok) announced that it will hold events for three weeks to promote the mental health of its residents in observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10.
According to statistics from the Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service, the number of patients visiting hospitals for depression increased by 33.9% over four years, from 680,169 in 2017 to 910,785 in 2021. In particular, the number of depression patients has significantly increased among teenagers and young adults.
In response, the district has prepared various events from October 9 for three weeks to encourage residents to check their mental state and raise awareness about the importance of mental health, taking steps to care for the community’s mental well-being.
The main programs include ▲public lectures for local residents ▲mental health education tailored to life stages ▲visiting mental health counseling and campaigns ▲events for people with mental illnesses ▲and a human rights film festival.
First, on October 18 at 10 a.m., a public mental health lecture by Professor Ha Ji-hyun will be held in the small auditorium on the 6th floor of Nowon District Office for local residents. Under the theme “The Power of the Mind to Protect Myself in an Uncertain Era,” the lecture will cover stress management and mindset. Professor Ha is a professor at Konkuk University School of Medicine and a psychiatrist who has appeared on numerous broadcasts such as “Accidental Adult” and “Ha Ji-hyun’s Life Lessons,” and is an expert on the mind who has authored many books.
Residents wishing to participate in the lecture can apply by phone or via the QR code on the promotional poster. The event is limited to the first 200 applicants.
Customized mental health education by life stage will also be offered. On the 20th, a visit to Junghyeon Elementary School will be made to educate 4th-grade students on the importance of mental health during childhood and adolescence and to teach the symptoms and coping methods for mental health issues in children and adolescents. On the 10th, training will be provided at the Peace Comprehensive Social Welfare Center for workers in mental health-related organizations on ways to improve mental resilience.
Additionally, to increase accessibility for residents, “visiting mental health counseling” will be conducted. This aims to identify and intervene early with individuals facing mental health difficulties through mental health awareness activities.
On October 5, the Suraksan Shelter (Sanggye-dong), on the 11th the Peace Comprehensive Social Welfare Center (Junggye-dong), on the 12th the Gongneung Youth Culture Information Center (Gongneung-dong), and on the 13th the Hagye Comprehensive Social Welfare Center (Hagye-dong) will be visited to conduct self-assessments using the depression health questionnaire (PHQ-9 scale). Those identified as high-risk will receive in-depth evaluation counseling and, if necessary, be connected to specialist consultations. Various participatory campaigns such as mental health true/false quizzes and supportive messages for oneself will be held, along with the provision of mental health information.
On the 26th, a visit to Korea Bible University will be made to carry out visiting mental health counseling and mental health awareness campaigns targeting young adults.
Programs for people with mental illnesses will also be conducted. Participants can choose one activity from “Mental Health Crossword Puzzle” or “Mental Health Maze” and, upon completion, join an event to receive a “Mental Health Kit.” The kit includes items such as sleep socks and body care products that help relieve stress and improve sleep.
A human rights film festival for people with mental disabilities will also be held. On the 12th, at The Soop Art Cinema, an opportunity will be provided for people with mental illnesses and their families to reflect on the human rights of individuals with mental disabilities.
Oh Seung-rok, Mayor of Nowon-gu, said, “I hope that during these three weeks commemorating Mental Health Day, everyone takes time to look after and embrace their own minds,” adding, “We will continue to create an environment where not only individuals but also families and neighbors can care for each other and support one another with warm eyes through various mental health projects.”
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