Children Increasingly Vulnerable to Anxiety and Depression: Four Prevention Methods
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) has identified hundreds of thousands of children in Indonesia displaying symptoms of anxiety and depression based on health screening results from the Free Health Check (CKG) programme for the 2025–2026 period.
Among approximately 7 million children assessed, 4.4 per cent, or around 338,000 children, experienced anxiety disorder symptoms, whilst 4.8 per cent, or around 363,000 children, showed depression disorder symptoms.
In response to these high figures, psychologists emphasise the importance of early prevention measures. Parents are considered to play a significant role in helping children manage emotions and create a psychologically safe environment.
Early Emotional Recognition and Management
Children should be equipped with emotional recognition and management skills from an early age, appropriate to their developmental stage. According to child psychologists, children need to understand various types of emotions they experience and learn to express them appropriately. With these skills, children are less likely to become trapped in prolonged negative feelings.
Understanding Child Development Stages
Parental understanding of children’s developmental stages is a critical factor in supporting healthy emotional growth. Understanding their developmental tasks serves as a guideline for appropriate stimulation and detecting whether observed signs or symptoms are age-typical or anomalous.
Developing Diverse Coping Skills
Children should develop a range of coping skills and be trained to use them effectively. Coping skills help children face difficult situations in a healthier manner. Children who regularly use good coping strategies tend to be more emotionally resilient.
Parents serve as role models in this regard. How parents handle problems directly teaches children how to manage stress and emotions. By demonstrating healthy coping mechanisms, parents equip their children with practical tools for emotional regulation.
Building Open and Warm Communication
Parents should establish open and warm communication with their children, allowing them to provide support and recognise when their children and adolescents need help. This approach enables parents to be present during difficult moments and intervene appropriately when necessary.