South Korea : A programme against depression to reduce suicides

Depression causes 80%of suicides. From 1992 to 2002 the suicide rate has doubled.

Seoul (AsiaNews) - New anti-depression programs will be put in place to curb a surging number of suicides. The plan was announced yesterday by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.

According to recent research depression is believed to be the leading cause of suicide in Korea counting for 80% of suicides. "The government – says a ministry official -  has come up with the measures to combat the rising problem after research showed that 22.8 of every 100,000 people in South Korea committed suicide in 2004,''". Although this number is the fourth largest among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, South Korea recorded a 5.19 percent increase _ the highest recorded annual suicide increase rate.

"The suicide prevention measures – continues the official - should differ according to age groups, as different age groups have different reasons for developing depression". One of the objectives is to establish a method of depression identification and prevention, starting from the very first symptoms. The authority aims to establish a system to identify signs at an early stage and prevent students from developing depression.  Bullying and violence at school, and learning disorders can be reasons for depression.  Previous suicide attempts or death and divorce of parents will also be considered.   For adults, programs will focus on preventing depression related to divorce, unemployment, poverty or alcoholism. Finally a program for the elderly will help minimize their shock from a spouse's death or chronic illnesses.  Moreover  Il The government will also crack down on those providing suicide methods on the Internet and selling sleeping pills or poison.

 "We also plan to designate a 'day of depression awareness' to raise public consciousness about the importance of detecting and treating depression at an early stage", continued the official.  

In the last ten years in South Korea the number of people who have taken their own life has doubled: in 1992 there were 9.7 cases for every 100 thousand people, in 2002 the figure arrived at 19.13.  The Ministry hopes to lower the rate to 18.2 by 2010.  In 2003, about 100 people from politics, industry, religion and academia organized the Korea "Association for Suicide Prevention" to make joint efforts for suicide prevention.

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• korea
• seoul
• depression
• suicide