Songpa-gu Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Day Commemoration Event Highlights the Importance of Mental Health

On the 11th at Seokchon Lake, 'Lower Prejudice and Raise Understanding' Event Held
Providing Opportunities for Mental Health Checks Including Self-Tests for Depression, Alcohol Addiction, and Stress Screening

Songpa-gu (Mayor Seo Gang-seok) announced that it successfully held a Mental Health Day event at Seokchon Lake on the 11th to commemorate World Suicide Prevention Day and Mental Health Day.

According to the 2021 Mental Health Survey conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, one in four adults in Korea has experienced mental health issues at least once in their lifetime. In fact, the lifetime prevalence of mental disorders reached 27.8%.

Accordingly, on the 11th, the district held a commemorative event under the theme "Lower Prejudice, Raise Understanding" around the East Lake area of Seokchon Lake to raise awareness of the importance of mental health and to dispel prejudice against mental illness.

The event was organized by the Songpa-gu Mental Health Welfare Center, with participation from four institutions: Songpa-gu Health Branch, Songpa Eoureogi (a psychiatric rehabilitation facility), and White Heart (a communal living home). Through various programs, experience booths, and music performances themed on the mind, the event highlighted the importance of mental health and the value of life.

First, the performance included ▲a music therapist playing songs themed on the mind and ▲a talk show sharing stories with the audience, providing warm advice and comfort regarding difficulties experienced due to mental health.

Additionally, six mental health experience booths covering topics such as depression, stress, and respect for life provided opportunities to raise awareness about the importance of mental health and suicide prevention. Activities included ‘Stress Check’ through brainwave biometric signal measurement, ‘Mental Health and Respect for Life OX Quiz,’ ‘Self-assessment for Depression and Alcohol Addiction,’ ‘Caricature Drawing,’ ‘Making Worry Dolls,’ and ‘Decorating Hope Tree Messages.’

In particular, more than 1,000 residents participated, showing high interest in mental health. Attendees shared their impressions, saying, “It was good to have useful and fun experiences and even relieve stress,” and “The time to talk directly with the music therapist felt like receiving counseling and comfort through songs.”

The Songpa-gu Mental Health Welfare Center operates various psychological support programs for residents experiencing psychological difficulties such as depression and anxiety, aiming to help those who miss treatment opportunities due to prejudice or burden regarding mental health care and thus fail to detect risks.

For more detailed information, please contact the Songpa-gu Mental Health Welfare Center.

Seo Gang-seok, Mayor of Songpa-gu, stated, “I hope this event provided an opportunity for residents to check their mental health and improve awareness of mental illness and suicide prevention,” adding, “We will continue to pay attention to mental health and work in various ways to create a healthy and happy city Songpa where everyone in need can thrive.”