Free our brothers and sisters who have mental disorders from confinement, shackles, and isolation
Bekasi, West Java (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs is conducting a campaign on mental health issues, challenges, and solutions to improve the community's understanding of mental health to mark World Mental Health Day, which will fall on October 10.

"Let us solve it together, do not judge (people with mental issues) because we are all God's creatures. Free our brothers and sisters who have mental disorders from confinement, shackles, and isolation," Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini said at the Pangudi Luhur Integrated Center (STPL) Bekasi, West Java, on Thursday.

She asked all regions in the country to contribute to improving the community's understanding regarding the handling of people with mental disorders.

Mental illness is one of the public health problems that have tended to increase every year, especially amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Thus, I expect all regional heads to give special attention to mental health issues. Optimal handling will be able to reduce problems related to mental health," the minister said.

Issues surrounding people with mental or psychosocial disabilities, including stigmatization, neglect, shackling, medical and social rehabilitation, drug availability, and accessibility were also highlighted during this year's World Mental Health Day commemoration.

The Social Campaign for the 2022 World Mental Health Day in STPL Bekasi was attended by around 250 participants and was aired live via social media. The campaign was themed "Recover Together with Mentally Healthy Generation."

During the campaign, Minister Rismaharini greeted and interacted with people with mental disorders and family assistants connected live at the event.

As many as four integrated centers and 27 social centers across Indonesia also commemorated World Mental Health Day.

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Translator: Pradita Kurniawan, Raka Adji
Editor: Sri Haryati
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