In a mental health crisis
A crisis is nothing to be ashamed of. One phone call is the start.
Signs of crisis
- Barely sleeping, or sleeping all day
- Paralysing helplessness
- Unable to eat, or binge eating
- Sudden terror and a racing heart — see panic-attack
- Thoughts of "wanting to disappear" — see suicidal-thoughts
- Hearing voices, losing touch with reality
- Growing dependence on alcohol or drugs
What you can do right now
- Call 1577-0199 (mental health helpline) — 24 hours, free.
- 1577-1366 (Danuri Call Centre) counsels in many languages.
- Tell someone you trust. Don't endure it alone.
- Think only about today. Postpone big decisions until the crisis passes.
- Alcohol makes a crisis worse. Avoid it.
If crises recur
- Get ongoing counselling at a mental health welfare centre. See mental-health-welfare.
- You can be referred to psychiatric care. See mental-health-help.
- If cost worries you — centre counselling is free, and medical cost support exists.
- Counselling records are confidential.
Where to go
- 1577-0199 mental health helpline (24 hours)
- 109 suicide prevention line (24 hours)
- 1577-1366 Danuri Call Centre (multilingual, 24 hours)
- 119 when life is in danger
- Your local mental health welfare centre
Questions people ask
It's hard to describe my feelings in Korean. At 1577-1366 you can talk in your own language. That alone brings relief.
Life far from home is so lonely. Loneliness is a major driver of crisis. Migrant groups, faith communities and local communities help. See immigrant-community.
Work stress is breaking me. Alongside counselling, take workplace issues (bullying, unpaid wages) separately to 1350. See workplace-harassment.
Will treatment records affect my visa? Counselling and treatment records are confidential. If concerned, ask before you begin.
Take care
If thoughts of dying are taking concrete shape, call 109 or 119 right now. Remove dangerous objects and don't stay alone. Crises pass like waves. With help, things genuinely get better.
Related
suicidal-thoughts · panic-attack · mental-health-welfare · friend-in-crisis · immigrant-community
Source
Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Mental Health Portal www.mentalhealth.go.kr / As of 2026-08