Ministry of Health Reveals Secrets to Staying Sane When Facing Families' 'Horror' Questions During Eid
The Ministry of Health (Kemenkes) emphasises the importance of setting boundaries during family gatherings on the occasions of homecoming and Eid. This step is necessary to maximise the benefits of togetherness without causing stress that can disrupt mental health.
Dr Imran Pambudi, MPHM, Director of Vulnerable Group Health Services at Kemenkes, states that homecoming is not merely a physical relocation but an intense social and emotional transition. This experience is rich in emotional and cultural aspects, thus having a significant impact on an individual’s mental health. “Homecoming should ideally enrich, not drain,” said Imran in Jakarta on Wednesday (18/3/2026).
According to Imran, preparation before departure is the key. The public needs to arrange realistic expectations and set boundaries, such as determining a reasonable visit duration, informing family if rest is needed, and preparing enjoyable joint activities to make reunions more meaningful.
During the journey, flexible plans can reduce pressure from traffic jams or delays. Brief breathing techniques or grounding exercises are recommended as quick ways to calm oneself when anxiety rises.
Special attention is also needed for children. Imran suggests setting screen usage rules before departure, preparing offline activities, and downloading educational content for the trip. Giving children small choices regarding gadget usage time can make them feel valued without sacrificing parental control, thus creating a calmer atmosphere and higher-quality family interactions.
Homecoming often brings a mix of feelings: warm longing, hopes for togetherness, as well as anxiety related to long journeys and family dynamics. Traffic queues not only drain the body but also emotions and patience. Upon arriving at the hometown, reunions that should be enjoyable sometimes reopen old wounds or create pressure due to high family expectations.
“Family expectations that are too high often become a source of stress in themselves. However, honest and warm communication with firm yet empathetic language can turn pressure into an opportunity to strengthen relationships,” said Imran.
After the visit, it is important to take time to recover, such as getting enough sleep, taking a leisurely walk, or having a brief chat with friends to reorganise emotions.
Behind the challenges, homecoming holds real benefits for mental health. Gathering with family and friends provides deep social support. Hugs, shared laughter, and warm conversations can lower stress levels and improve mood.