"On national scale, risk of depression symptoms is at 1 percent, whereas anxiety at 0.9 percent," the ministry's director for mental health Imran Pambudi said here on Wednesday, speaking at a workshop for World Suicide Prevention Day.
Pambudi stated that the result is from 13 million people who undergone mental health test in CKG, and it has yet to cover ones from CKG at schools. He explained that this is not a diagnosis, but rather an early detection measure, and the actual condition needs to be identified by professionals.
He stressed that people with depression and anxiety are the most prone to hurting themselves or attempting suicide. 2024 data from IHME Global Burden of Diseases showed that in 2021, there are 746 thousand cases of suicide, whereas in Indonesia there are 4.570 cases.
Moreover, 2024 data from National Police showed that Central Java had highest number of cases, being 478, he added.
"I once read that one suicide case can impact 35 people," he said.
The affected people include family members, friends, and rescuers. He emphasized that prevention efforts are crucial, including responsible media coverage, providing access to counseling, restricting access to means of self-harm, and improving life skills.
Government outlined the measure in Law number 17 of 2023 about Health and its derivative, which is Government Regulation number 28 of 2024. Pambudi also pointed out Press Council's effort to address this through its guidance and regulation.
The media plays a crucial role in reshaping narratives so that stigma and misconceptions about mental health and suicide can be replaced with support and empathy.
At the same event, Yosep "Stanley" Adi Prasetyo, who chaired the Press Council from 2016 to 2019, said irresponsible reporting on suicide could harm the victims’ families both psychologically and economically. He added that detailed reporting on suicide methods could also lead others to imitate them, a phenomenon known as copycat suicide.
He emphasized that if journalists decide to report on suicide, the coverage should be accompanied by guidance so that audiences experiencing despair and suicidal thoughts can access support services such as counseling.
Those seeking help with mental health issues can contact the Ministry of Health’s service at 119 or visit https://www.healing119.id/
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Reporter: Mecca Yumna Ning Prisie
Editor: Primayanti
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