First Lady Kim Geon-hee: "Striving for a Society Where People with Mental Difficulties Receive Treatment Without Prejudice"

'Conversation for Recovery and Comfort' Hosted
"Confession of Experiencing Anxiety Like the Night Sky Collapsing"

First Lady Kim Keon-hee is taking a commemorative photo after concluding a meeting with participants of the 'Dialogue for Recovery and Comfort' at the National Center for Mental Health, Ministry of Health and Welfare, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the 26th.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

First Lady Kim Keon-hee met with about 10 people, including individuals with mental illness experience, families bereaved by suicide, mental health field workers, and suicide rescue police officers, at the National Center for Mental Health in Gwangjin-gu, Seoul on the 26th, and encouraged them, the Presidential Office announced.

Kim said, "Everyone faces life crises and difficulties at some point in their lives. I also went through such times, and because of that, I was severely ill for several years and experienced anxiety as if a dark night sky was collapsing upon me." She added, "It is difficult for me to reveal my painful past like this, but I hope that through me, social awareness of mental illness will improve." She also expressed her intention, saying, "I will strive to create a society where people with mental difficulties can receive treatment without prejudice."

On that day, Kim listened attentively to difficulties and suggestions regarding suicide prevention and bereaved family support program development, as well as the need for social awareness improvement, according to a written briefing by Presidential Office spokesperson Kim Soo-kyung.

At the meeting, Police Officer Yoon Hee-jo of the Hangang Rescue Team, who attended a meeting with Kim in August last year, stated, "The Hangang Bridge, where suicide attempts frequently occur, is too easy to cross," and suggested, "Measures are needed to enhance safety without compromising aesthetics."

Listening carefully to all participants' conversations, Kim said, "Beyond my role as the president's spouse, I will come to you as a friend who has had similar experiences," and added, "Let's meet often and talk." This was the third mental health-related meeting Kim has chaired, following a meeting with police officers who rescue suicide attempters in August last year and a conversation for mental health in September last year. Although President Yoon was scheduled to attend the meeting, a senior official of the Presidential Office said that Kim chaired the meeting to facilitate close communication with the participants.

Kim expressed her gratitude to the participants, saying, "Despite personal difficulties, I appreciate your efforts to promote mental health in our society," and added, "I hope that we will continue to unite our intentions and seek practical support measures together."