The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) is emphasising the importance of\nearly detection for mental health issues following a surge in suicide\nattempt rates among students. Deputy Health Minister Dante Saksono\nHarbuwono revealed that suicide attempt cases among students have\nexperienced a significant increase of up to 2.7-fold, according to data\nfrom the Global School-Based Student Health Survey.<\/p>\n
The data records a spike in the proportion of students attempting to\nend their lives from 3.9% in 2015 to 10.7% in 2023. The age range of 11\nto 17 years has been identified as the most vulnerable group.<\/p>\n
\u201cAmong school students, those contemplating suicide have increased\n1.6-fold. There is almost a twofold increase in suicide attempts and\nsuicidal ideation among students,\u201d Dante stated in Jakarta on Friday\n(4\/9).<\/p>\n
He explained that this phenomenon resembles an iceberg, where the\nnumber of suicide attempts is far greater than the recorded number of\ndeaths.<\/p>\n
\u201cOne in ten students is attempting to end their lives through\nsuicide. The 11-17 age group is the vulnerable age for suicide attempts\nwithin the group we are observing and evaluating,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
According to the Ministry of Health, mental disorders are the second\nlargest factor affecting a person\u2019s quality of life, following\nmusculoskeletal disorders. Currently, it is estimated that one in seven\npeople worldwide lives with a mental disorder.<\/p>\n
To prevent the worsening of mental conditions, the public is urged to\nbe alert to physical, emotional, or behavioural changes that persist for\nat least two weeks. Symptoms include sleep disturbances, weight changes,\nexcessive anxiety, irritability, and decreased concentration.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf these physical, emotional, and behavioural disturbances,\ndifficulty concentrating, changes in speech patterns, and noticeable\nactivity changes persist for more than two weeks, they must be quickly\nidentified as mental health disorders,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Dante added that mental health intervention must be carried out as\nearly as possible, even from the prenatal and postpartum periods. The\ngovernment is now integrating mental health screening services through\nthe Free Health Check (CKG) programme and questionnaires on the\nSatuSehat application. Additionally, the Ministry of Health provides the\n\u2018Healing119\u2019 Mental Health Service, which can be accessed via the 119\nhotline, extension 8.<\/p>\n
He emphasised that the general public can provide first aid during\nmental health crises without needing to be medical professionals, using\nsimple steps.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe do not have to be experts to be helpers to those experiencing\nmental disorders. Start with four simple steps: ask, listen, accompany,\nand connect,\u201d he concluded.<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/student-suicide-attempt-cases-surge-2-7-fold-identifying-key-causes-1788526309", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }