May is not only Family Month, but also Mental Health Awareness Month. Initiated in 1949 by Mental Health America, it is a month dedicated to raising awareness about mental health and promoting various activities aimed at preventing mental illnesses.
We are not only helping people achieve mental health and well-being through education, but also working to reduce negative attitudes and misconceptions about mental illness. During this period, mental health organizations and medical institutions are organizing various activities and events—such as mental health screenings, workshops, webinars, public forums, and social media campaigns—to raise awareness about mental health and conduct educational activities.
Everyone knows that taking care of both physical and mental health is essential for a higher quality of life, yet putting this into practice is not easy. While we tend to respond sensitively to physical injuries or symptoms, we often neglect and leave mental health unattended.
In particular, Koreans exhibit a strong reluctance toward mental health care and face significant barriers, resulting in a notably lower rate of care utilization compared to other ethnic groups. This stems from a lack of awareness about mental health due to the culture of saving face and shame inherent in Korean society.
Despite advancements in technology like AI and material affluence, more people are reporting mental health difficulties. Depression and anxiety disorders are common, as are stress and burnout syndrome. As with all illnesses, addressing mental health early allows for faster recovery with less treatment. For Koreans, the first step toward treatment must begin by overcoming these prejudices.
May is Family Month, and the greatest gift you can give your loved ones is your own happiness. Taking care of your mental health and practicing self-care helps maintain good relationships with those around you. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) is the largest in the United States, providing diverse services in partnership with numerous mental health agencies. Over 150 promoters are active across eight regions within the county.
Promoters serve as a bridge, conducting outreach to promote mental health and connecting individuals in need to services. They provide effective information and resources to various communities within the county and conduct workshops on diverse topics to reduce barriers and stigma surrounding mental health.
Workshops cover diverse topics including depression, anxiety disorders, grief and loss, suicide prevention, domestic violence, childhood mental disorders, bullying, substance abuse, and dementia. Seventeen topics specifically for seniors are also available. Interested individuals are encouraged to call 213-523-9100 immediately.
Workshops are free, confidential, and offer a mobile service to any location within Los Angeles County. Workshops are available weekday daytime and evening, weekends, online or in-person, and can be conducted for churches, temples, or companies.
▶ DMH Hotline: (800) 854-7771
▶ Website: https://dmh.lacounty.gov
* Choi Young-hwa, Community Health Worker, Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health
* Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (DMH) Helpline: (800) 854-7771 / dmh.lacounty.gov
* Workshop and Information Inquiries
Young Choi (Community Health Worker): (213) 523-9100 / ychoi@dmh.lacounty.gov
Source: The Christian Journal (https://www.kcjlogos.org)
