Addressing Mental Health Concerns: Government's Efforts

TheIndonesia.co - The government's Free Health Screening (PKG) program will now include screenings for mental health problems, which are often underdiagnosed, according to Minister of Health Budi Gunadi Sadikin, as reported by Antara News Agency.

On Wednesday, Sadikin shared insights from a World Health Organization (WHO) report, revealing that one in eight people worldwide experience mental health disorders. This ratio suggests that Indonesia may have 28 million individuals affected by mental health issues.

"These conditions are heavily stigmatized, and many are hesitant to speak out about their struggles. The ministry plans to intervene to address this challenge," he explained.

Sadikin emphasized that mental health checks are just as crucial as basic health screenings, such as blood tests. As part of the PKG program, the ministry will utilize a questionnaire to assess various mental health issues, such as ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder), bulimia, eating disorders, autism, and neurological disorders.

Treatment options may include consultations with psychologists and medications. Additionally, the ministry is working to expand mental health services at community health centers, offering psychological consultations to those in need.

The Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) of 2023 revealed that young people aged 15–24 years, particularly females, those with lower education levels, the unemployed, and workers in non-specialized roles like drivers or domestic helpers, had the highest prevalence of depression symptoms. Despite this, only 10.4% of young people with depression sought treatment.

At the national level, the prevalence of depression across all age groups was recorded at 1.4%, with West Java showing the highest rates, while Bali had the lowest.