South Korea taps the top of OECD nations when it comes to suicide rates. This partially indicates that among many suffering from tormenting thoughts, too few are attending to their mental health. The elephant in the room in Korean society is mental health, which still has a large stigma against it. It is contributed by the lack of focused awareness and integration of mental health with the general health care systems. May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I am dedicating this issue to my fellow students.
A list of the most common causes of depression, anxiety disorder, substance abuse problems for college students include: worrying about the upcoming deadlines, maintaining a good face amongst the community, and finance or family related issues. Mason Korea students come from a mix of cultures and backgrounds, which also brings up what the community could take special care of – creating a sense of home for the students who are settling into Korea. However, while frantically juggling life we are like graceful swans paddling hectically underneath the calm surface of the water. As a result, most symptoms of mental health, even the slightest suicidal inclination, are overlooked.
Even though here is a counselling service available for free to students on the Incheon Global Campus it seems that not many are aware of it. No questions about it, we should engage in more conversations about mental health to ensure that the society starts to effectively help mentally ill people. Those who experience symptoms are scared that others might think of them as incompetent. Additional misconceptions due to the stigma are disadvantageous in a competitive and densely populated society. Nonetheless, seeking help is vital. When I reached out to IGC’s counselor, Jan, here is what she wants to share from a more experienced perspective: “Do not let the stigma around it define yourself or let others define you for struggling with symptoms. Rather, think of it as any other physical illness. When you have a cold, whether it is a light or a serious flu, you will naturally put in some effort to get better. Similarly, when you feel mentally drained, seek help from someone you trust. Make sure that you find regular destressors instead of neglecting yourself.”
Students are encouraged to address the social, academic, and institutional aspects to improve their mental well-being. They are offices for each department and faculty members who are willing to help you out. Additionally, I believe that peer counselling could be a valuable resource as it gives great comfort to know that you are not alone. Hopefully, this leads to more aid and sympathy from others.
One way to reduce the tendency to fall into depressive thoughts is by telling ourselves that when we are stressed, we are worried about our own predictions about the future, based on the past experiences. Let us confirm that the situation is a blessing in disguise until we finally get out of it. Most importantly, face the elephant in the room with others.
Claire (Suk-In) Jung | Staff Writer
sjung23@masonlive.gmu.edu
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