Ministry of Health: Integration Needed to Address Three Contemporary Issues Affecting Mental Well-Being

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Health states that the 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month, themed “More Good Days, Together,” underscores the necessity for relationships, policies, and services to work collaboratively in addressing three contemporary issues: climate change, economic pressures, and digital behaviours. “This campaign encourages a prevention-oriented approach, early detection, and strengthening community support—steps that are crucial in major cities like Jakarta, where urban stress, seasonal flooding, and economic uncertainty affect mental well-being,” said Dr Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, in Jakarta on Friday. He explained that the scale of global challenges emphasises the urgency of collective action. More than one billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most common; yet many do not receive effective treatment. The links between mental health and contemporary issues such as climate change, economic pressures, and digital behaviours are increasingly clear, as outlined below. First, responses to the psychological impacts of climate change must be an integral part of mitigation and adaptation policies. Second, he said, economic pressures demand solutions that combine social policies and mental health services. Financial stress, unemployment, and debt are closely linked to increased depression, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances; meanwhile, access to care is often hindered by costs and stigma. Effective interventions must be cross-sectoral, ranging from social protection programmes such as temporary cash assistance, employee counselling access, to financial literacy campaigns. “Third, the dynamics of digital behaviours require a balanced approach: recognising the benefits of online connections while reducing risks,” he stated. Effective interventions include early digital literacy education—teaching children and adolescents how to evaluate information sources, manage screen time limits, and build healthy online habits. Schools and parents need practical tools to guide technology use, such as screen-free routines before bed, family agreements on online time, and introduction to privacy features and reporting on platforms. At the policy level, dialogues with technology companies should focus on product designs that prioritise user well-being. Integrated service models, where mental health screening is a routine part of primary health visits, disaster services, and workplace welfare programmes, facilitate early detection and referrals. Strengthening peer support networks and local recovery groups provides spaces for shared healing experiences, while clear referral systems ensure complex cases receive specialist care. Measurement and monitoring are also essential: data on symptom prevalence, service access, and intervention outcomes help policymakers allocate resources appropriately and evaluate programme effectiveness. According to him, funding is key. Although the burden of mental illness is significant, investments are often disproportionate; many countries allocate only a small percentage of health budgets to mental health services. Demanding fairer budget allocations, adopting cost-effective evidence-based interventions, and leveraging public-private partnerships will accelerate service expansion. Well-designed awareness campaigns also help: as stigma decreases, more people seek help, and preventive interventions become more effective.