Park Seungwon's 'Mental Health Policy' Proves Effective... Gwangmyeong City Records Lowest Depression Indicators in Gyeonggi Province

Gwangmyeong City Records 2.1% Rate of Depressive Feelings and 1.7% Prevalence of Depressive Symptoms
Comprehensive Support and Crisis Response by Life Stage... Lowest Among 31 Cities and Counties in Gyeonggi Province
Mayor Park Seungwon: "A Robust Mental Health Safety Net... Ensuring Citizens Maintain Healthy Daily Lives"

Gwangmyeong City in Gyeonggi Province (Mayor Park Seungwon) recorded the lowest indicators related to feelings of depression and depressive disorders among the 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province. According to the city, this is the result of establishing a mental health support system that extends from prevention to counseling, treatment, and recovery.

Gwangmyeong City (Mayor Park Seungwon) showed the lowest indicators related to feelings of depression and depression among the 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province. The photo shows the signboard of the Gwangmyeong City Mental Health Center. Photo by Gwangmyeong City

On August 5, Gwangmyeong City announced the results of an analysis of the "Metropolitan Area Chronic Disease Statistics Information," published in July 2025 by the Metropolitan Disease Response Center of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency. The annual rate of experiencing depressive feelings and the prevalence of depressive symptoms among Gwangmyeong City residents in 2025 were 2.1% and 1.7%, respectively. Both indicators were the lowest among the 31 cities and counties in Gyeonggi Province.

The annual rate of experiencing depressive feelings is the percentage of people who have felt depressed enough to interfere with their daily lives for at least two weeks in the past year. Gwangmyeong City's figure was about one-third of the Gyeonggi Province average of 6.6% and the national average of 5.9%.

The prevalence of depressive symptoms reflects the proportion of people with a score of 10 or higher on the PHQ-9 depression screening test. Gwangmyeong City's prevalence rate was approximately 40% of the Gyeonggi Province average of 4.1% and about half of the national average of 3.4%.

Gwangmyeong City operates integrated services covering prevention, counseling, treatment linkage, rehabilitation, and crisis response, with the Mental Health Welfare Center and the Suicide Prevention Center at the core. In 2024, the city established the Mental Health Center, organically linking the two institutions, so that residents can access all necessary services in one place.

The city also promotes customized programs for each stage of life, from children and adolescents to young adults, middle-aged, and the elderly. Through mental health education and campaigns, depression screening, and counseling, high-risk groups are identified and provided early intervention.

For people with severe mental disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, the city provides case management as well as treatment and rehabilitation services. In the event of a mental health crisis, the city intervenes quickly and supports a return to daily life through ongoing case management.

By cooperating with public health centers, administrative welfare centers, schools, police and fire departments, medical institutions, and welfare agencies, Gwangmyeong City also identifies and supports those in welfare blind spots. Counseling, social participation programs, and job training and placement services are provided for reclusive or isolated youth, while depression screenings and welfare services are offered to seniors living alone and other socially isolated high-risk groups.

Park Seungwon, Mayor of Gwangmyeong City, stated, "Mental health is a crucial foundation for protecting each citizen's daily life and building a healthy community. We will establish a comprehensive mental health support system, from prevention and treatment to recovery, so that all citizens can receive help when they need it and live healthy lives."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.