Koreans aged 20-34 will undergo mental health checkups every two years in an effort to align the suicide rate with the OECD average.
On Tuesday, South Korea unveiled a comprehensive plan to address the country's persistently high suicide rates by offering mental health checkups every two years for young Koreans aged 20 to 34, as well as tailored counseling services for all age groups. This marks the first detailed state policy aimed at tackling this pressing issue.
For nearly 20 years, South Korea has had the highest suicide rate among member nations of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). In 2022, the country recorded 25.2 deaths per 100,000 people, more than double the OECD average of 10.6 deaths per 100,000 people, according to data released by the organization in September.
Over the past three years alone, almost 40,000 South Koreans have taken their own lives, with the suicide rate increasing particularly among younger individuals, as indicated by data from the Ministry of Health and Welfare and the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency.
To address the country's persistently declining mental health, the government will implement mental health checkups every two years, starting with individuals aged 20 to 34, and later expanding to cover all age groups. The aim is to detect warning signs early on. The updated target disease list will include depression, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder. Currently, the state provides mental health checkups for Koreans aged 20 to 70 every 10 years.
In addition, the government plans to enhance follow-up management by collaborating with mental health welfare centers and psychiatric departments in hospitals after the checkups.
President Yoon Suk Yeol announced this new initiative during a meeting on mental health policy. He emphasized the importance of good mental health for the country's future growth, particularly in light of the declining birth rate. President Yoon also pledged to revamp the state support system to prevent mental health problems and provide assistance.
0 Comments