Psychiatrists busy as many Jakartans seek help

JAKARTA (JP): Ongoing economic difficulties have brought Jakartans, rich and poor alike, flocking to the psychiatrist's couch, according to experts.

Renowned psychologist Sartono Mukadis, psychiatrist Dwijo Saputro and doctor Amir Hussein Anwar told The Jakarta Post in separate interviews yesterday that numbers seeking consultation would continue to rise if uncertainties brought about by the current crisis persisted.

Failing to provide detailed figures, they nevertheless said that numbers excluded those who sought a relief to their emotional and mental problems in general hospitals or other places.

But a strong indication of the veracity of the claim is found in the Husada hospital in Central Jakarta, where the 15 beds allocated for patients with mental problems have been almost fully occupied since the crisis began last July.

"It's the highest number of patients we have ever recorded here", Dwijo, head of the psychiatry clinic at the hospital, said. The number, he said, did not include out-patients, who do not stay overnight in the hospital.

According to Sartono, who is also director of PersoData consultant firm, confusion brought about by the current economic situation has made people, particularly businesspeople, lose self-confidence.

Economic turmoil, the worst in three decades, was sparked off by a large depreciation in the value of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

This, compounded by the prolonged drought of last year, has pushed the price of basic commodities up and rendered many business ventures bankrupt. Thousands of workers have lost their jobs.

Gloom hanging over the country's economy can now be seen in the somber faces of many people here. "Jakartans no longer enjoy shopping or hanging around the malls", Sartono said.

Sartono strongly suggested business executives should handle the delicate process of dismissing their employees carefully, and help the unfortunate individuals prepare themselves for the difficulties ahead.

"For example, ailing companies, before announcing dismissals, could hold a friendly meeting with employees and their families to discuss the condition of the business", he said.

This would help employees understand the situation and prepare them for unemployment. This may in turn help to reduce the incidence of behavioral disorders, Sartono suggested.

Meanwhile, Amir, director of RSJ Pusat state mental hospital in Grogol, West Jakarta, said the number of Jakartans suffering from depression and mental disorders must be much higher than the figures revealed in a study conducted three years ago.

The study was carried out by the city municipality and concluded that one in five Jakartans suffered some form of emotional disorder. (emf)