Psychiatrists busy as many Jakartans seek help<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): Ongoing economic difficulties have brought
\nJakartans, rich and poor alike, flocking to the psychiatrist's
\ncouch, according to experts.<\/p>\n
Renowned psychologist Sartono Mukadis, psychiatrist Dwijo
\nSaputro and doctor Amir Hussein Anwar told The Jakarta Post in
\nseparate interviews yesterday that numbers seeking consultation
\nwould continue to rise if uncertainties brought about by the
\ncurrent crisis persisted.<\/p>\n
Failing to provide detailed figures, they nevertheless said
\nthat numbers excluded those who sought a relief to their
\nemotional and mental problems in general hospitals or other
\nplaces.<\/p>\n
But a strong indication of the veracity of the claim is found
\nin the Husada hospital in Central Jakarta, where the 15 beds
\nallocated for patients with mental problems have been almost
\nfully occupied since the crisis began last July.<\/p>\n
\"It's the highest number of patients we have ever recorded
\nhere\", Dwijo, head of the psychiatry clinic at the hospital,
\nsaid. The number, he said, did not include out-patients, who do
\nnot stay overnight in the hospital.<\/p>\n
According to Sartono, who is also director of PersoData
\nconsultant firm, confusion brought about by the current economic
\nsituation has made people, particularly businesspeople, lose
\nself-confidence.<\/p>\n
Economic turmoil, the worst in three decades, was sparked off
\nby a large depreciation in the value of the rupiah against the
\nU.S. dollar.<\/p>\n
This, compounded by the prolonged drought of last year, has
\npushed the price of basic commodities up and rendered many
\nbusiness ventures bankrupt. Thousands of workers have lost their
\njobs.<\/p>\n
Gloom hanging over the country's economy can now be seen in
\nthe somber faces of many people here. \"Jakartans no longer enjoy
\nshopping or hanging around the malls\", Sartono said.<\/p>\n
Sartono strongly suggested business executives should handle
\nthe delicate process of dismissing their employees carefully, and
\nhelp the unfortunate individuals prepare themselves for the
\ndifficulties ahead.<\/p>\n
\"For example, ailing companies, before announcing dismissals,
\ncould hold a friendly meeting with employees and their families
\nto discuss the condition of the business\", he said.<\/p>\n
This would help employees understand the situation and prepare
\nthem for unemployment. This may in turn help to reduce the
\nincidence of behavioral disorders, Sartono suggested.<\/p>\n
Meanwhile, Amir, director of RSJ Pusat state mental hospital
\nin Grogol, West Jakarta, said the number of Jakartans suffering
\nfrom depression and mental disorders must be much higher than the
\nfigures revealed in a study conducted three years ago.<\/p>\n
The study was carried out by the city municipality and
\nconcluded that one in five Jakartans suffered some form of
\nemotional disorder. (emf)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/psychiatrists-busy-as-many-jakartans-seek-help-1447893297",
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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