In recent years, the stigma of getting psychologcial therapy has been reduced in Korea.

Suicide has grown into a major problem in the twenty-first century as it has increasingly become a leading cause of death in many parts of the world.

Various types of psychiatric disorders such as depression, substance use disorders, and psychosis, contribute to the increasing suicide rate. 

Main causes of these mental problems include low socioeconomic status, high levels of stress, inadequate sleep, and alcohol use.

Suicide is an unfortunate conundrum, especially in South Korea. 

Reaching 28.6 per 100,000 by 2022, South Korea tops the list of suicide rate among OECD countries and has the fourth-highest suicide rate in the world.  

Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic worsens the problem.

As people spend more time at home and their usual outdoor activities are restricted, levels of depression, loneliness, and even risk of suicide are increasing. 

In South Korea, seeking psychotherapy has long been a taboo. 

It is because anyone who is going to a psychotherapist is considered to be weak and is stigmatized by others.

Code F, indicating a person who has received reimbursement for such care, written in one’s government-insurance record carries the stigma.

This can even affect them in getting jobs as lots of employers avoid hiring employees with mental problems. 

Therefore, lots of Koreans tend to just bear with depression and continue to struggle with it on their own.

However, in the last few years, the negative social perception of psychotherapy has changed. 

Lots of Koreans are getting more comfortable with getting mental health treatment, as they have realized that mental illnesses are common and it is okay to have one.

Dr. Oh’s Golden Clinic, a TV show about mental health issues by Dr. Eun-Young Oh, further promotes this trend. 

Ever since the program was broadcasted in September of 2021, it has become a hot topic as lots of celebrities such as Song-Min Ho appeared as a guest star and shared their mental problems. 

Lots of people realized that even celebrities are dealing with their mental problems and there is nothing wrong with it. 

Furthermore, people started to open up about their mental problems, which they had to hide previously due to the negative social perception. 

This is significant as it shows the importance of taking care of mental health, which can affect one’s overall well-being. 

With the social trend to be more open-minded about their mental health issues, many people have started to share their mental health issues with friends and family. 

They have become less reluctant to go to hospital for psychiatric treatment as well, putting their mental health first before worrying about being stigmatized for getting such treatment. 

This social trend of promoting a healthy mental state should be continued, and a healthy mental state should always come first. 

Moreover, the cultural stigma of seeking mental health services should disappear. 

Sohee Jung 
Grade 11 
Branksome Hall Asia