Mental illness mostly suffered by urban people
JAKARTA (JP): The majority of people suffering from mental illness in Indonesia live in urban centers, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Health.
Pressures from economic competitiveness have been named the prime reason for the high prevalence of psychological problems in Indonesia's big cities, Soejoga, the director general of Medical Services, said on Monday.
He estimated that three out every 1,000 Indonesians have developed psychosis, and at least another 60 suffer from neurosis.
The 33 psychiatric hospitals throughout the country cannot accommodate all patients, he said, pointing out that the hospitals are virtually full all year round.
The Ministry of Health has been working hard to arrest the rise in the number of patients, he said during a media briefing at his office in connection with the upcoming World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10.
Soejoga said most mental illnesses develop from psychosocial problems, which he described as intellectual and emotional disturbances.
"Not all stress is harmful. In some cases, stress can be good stimuli," he said, adding that sometimes stress can even become a source of energy. Citing an example, he said some students work their best under stress.
"Everyone, especially those living in big cities, has the potential to experience stress," he said.
In connection with World Mental Health Day, the government on Friday will launch a five-day national campaign aimed at increasing awareness about mental illness and how society, particularly families, can play a role in preventing the number of patients from rising.
There will be a public appeal for people to become more tolerant and respectful towards people with psychological problems, to accept them in their surroundings and help erase the stigma that mental illness carries.
During the campaign, the Ministry of Health will hold seminars, sports and cultural activities involving psychiatry patients, at the Bogor Mental Hospital. The campaign will end on Oct. 10 with a ceremony in Bogor. (03)