THE country’s Ministry of Health has reported that the prevalence of depression among residents aged over 15 in Jakarta has reached 1.5%, higher than the national average of 1.4%, reported Antara news agency.
The statement was delivered by Yunita Arihandayani, Head of the Early Detection and Prevention of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Team at the Directorate for Vulnerable Groups Health Services, during an online seminar.
Yunita explained that mental health disorders in the above-15 age group rank second among the 10 most common health issues.
West Java recorded the highest prevalence of mental health problems at 4.4%, far above the national average of 2%. In Jakarta, the prevalence of mental health issues stands at 2.2%, based on the 2023 Indonesia Health Survey.
Despite the high prevalence, only a small proportion of affected individuals seek medical help. Yunita noted that only 0.7% of people with anxiety disorders and 12.7% of those with depression access treatment. Limited awareness of symptoms and persistent stigma remain major barriers.
She pointed to the stigma that discourages people from consulting psychologists or psychiatrists, such as beliefs that prolonged sadness reflects weak faith or that seeking help indicates a severe mental disorder.
Early treatment, she stressed, is essential to prevent conditions from worsening. Mild depression that goes untreated may progress into more severe stages.
The Ministry of Health encourages the public to undergo mental health screening for early detection and to seek treatment if diagnosed with depression or anxiety.
The Health Office in Jakarta offers the JakCare (Jakarta Counselling and Assistance for Resilience and Empowerment) counselling service. — Bernama
