According to research. 95% of South Koreans are suffering depression. Adolescents frequently experience powerful, intense emotions, and their moods are unpredictable. In Korea, the prevalence of adolescent depression has been steadily rising, and 10% of teenagers report having suicide thoughts. This is a problem that has to be addressed since adolescent depression can have an impact on a person's personality and academic performance, which can then have an impact on social functioning as an adult. Although depression and suicidality in adolescents should be treated since they increase the probability that they may develop mood disorders later in life, the problem is made worse by the general public's failure to detect these warning signals. 

The main cause of the negative psychological mental states of adolescents in Korea is stress. We are aware that Korea has an excessive school entry competition and academic stress that leads to adolescents having a lack of sleep and free time. Hence, early recognition of this problem to treat and prevent further issues has to be solutions and treatments for adolescents. Despite this, Korea is still in the process of raising awareness of mental health as there are continuing to be more campaigns and mental health service systems for adolescents.

https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20210419007000315

The Wee Project is an example of an integrated school safety system to support students who need help. The role of the Wee Project has increased and now it has become a school counseling system for students that can provide them with a healthy school life.

In conclusion, the psychological and mental states of adolescents in Korea are a significant issue that should be addressed by the population and more solutions will support the adolescents to benefit them further in their lives. As there are already improvements being made, we must make sure that the progress is constant and that the rates of depression in adolescents will decrease. 

성민정 강남포스트 학생기자  webmaster@ignnews.kr

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