Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital Holds Special Lecture on Mental Health: "Job Stress and Suicide"

Dr. Baek Kyungyeol, a psychiatrist at Gwangju HappyView Hospital, recently gave a special lecture on "Job Stress and Suicide" to the staff of Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital. Photo by Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital

Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital announced on July 10 that, in recognition of July as Industrial Safety and Health Month, it held a special lecture on mental health in collaboration with the Hwasun-gun Mental Health Welfare Center.

The special lecture, led by Dr. Baek Kyungyeol, a psychiatrist at Gwangju HappyView Hospital, was organized to raise awareness of mental health issues within the organization and to explore practical response measures. The lecture focused on the theme of "Job Stress and Suicide."

Dr. Baek provided detailed explanations on topics such as "A Survival Guide for Hospital Staff" and "Stories for Stress and Mental Health," addressing common psychological difficulties experienced in hospital organizations, warning signs that may lead to suicide, and counseling attitudes to help colleagues in need.

He also highlighted the interrelationship between stress, sleep, and depression, emphasizing that in high-stress and high-fatigue environments such as healthcare settings, early detection of warning signs and a culture of mutual care are of utmost importance.

Alongside the special lecture, Hwasun Chonnam National University Hospital also conducted depression screening tests and job stress scale assessments. Employees classified as high-risk or those who wished to receive psychological counseling will be offered individual counseling in cooperation with the Hwasun-gun Mental Health Welfare Center.

Min Jeongjun, director of the hospital, stated, "Industrial safety must now expand beyond physical risks to encompass mental health as well. Mental health is at the core of industrial accident prevention, and we will continue to operate systematic programs to protect the mental well-being of our staff through close collaboration with specialized institutions."