Government-employed social workers picked civil complaints with malicious intent and personal danger as two most serious occupational issues they face. (Yonhap)
CHUNCHEON, Sept. 16 (Korea Bizwire) — Rising demand for social welfare services is placing civil servants at the risk of depression and suicidal impulses due to an excessive workload and overwhelming stress.
The Gangwon Provincial Health Center recently conducted a mental health survey on 767 government employees in Gangwon Province, 13.6 percent of whom said that they had considered committing suicide.
Among them, 12 respondents were at the risk of serious suicidal behavior.
Of the respondents, 23.1 percent had symptoms of depression. Women were more exposed to the risk of depression than men.
Government-employed social workers picked civil complaints with malicious intent and personal danger as two most serious occupational issues they face. Other problems included excessive work and structural issues.
The center called for improvement in the working environment, increased staff, and consultation services for psychological health and suicide prevention for the social workers, as well as measures to protect them from verbal or physical abuse, educate them on stress management, suicide prevention, and building the sense of duty and identity.
M. H. Lee (mhlee@koreabizwire.com)
