JAKARTA (Bernama-ANTARA): Indonesia’s Ministry of Health reported that the prevalence of depression among residents aged over 15 in Jakarta has reached 1.5 per cent, higher than the national average of 1.4 per cent, 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 in Jakarta.
Yunita explained that mental health disorders in the above-15 age group rank second among the ten most common health issues.
West Java recorded the highest prevalence of mental health problems at 4.4 per cent, far above the national average of 2 per cent.
In Jakarta, the prevalence of mental health issues stands at 2.2 per cent, 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 per cent of people with anxiety disorders and 12.7 per cent 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.
In Jakarta, the Health Office offers the JakCare counselling service, short for Jakarta Counselling and Assistance for Resilience and Empowerment. Residents experiencing prolonged anxiety or psychological distress can access the service through the JAKI application or by calling 0800-1500-119 free of charge.
For individuals facing psychiatric emergencies, JakCare connects users directly to crisis services under established procedures.
The system is designed to ensure that patients are promptly linked to healthcare facilities and related service units. -- Bernama-ANTARA
