Signs of an emotional crisis often go unseen before violence erupts

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The recent cases of violence are not believed to have emerged suddenly. Psychologists say there are usually early signs of an emotional crisis that are often overlooked.

Clinical psychologist Ratih Ibrahim, M.M., PsyD, notes that a person generally does not immediately find themselves in a dangerous emotional state, but rather passes through a gradual process.

“Usually signs such as becoming more easily offended, quick to anger, often feeling very sad, or feeling empty for a long time appear. There are also those who start to withdraw, lose interest in activities they once enjoyed, and experience changes in sleep and eating patterns,” Ratih said when contacted by ANTARA on Thursday.

Meanwhile, Theresia Novi Poespita Candra, S.Psi., M.Si, Ph.D., a lecturer at the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada, and a psychologist, said that signs of an emotional crisis in the digital era are increasingly difficult to recognise because many individuals choose to hide their feelings.

“Nowadays, many young people prefer to close themselves off or vent their emotions on social media accounts that are unknown to their close associates. As a result, the surrounding environment does not realise they are under pressure,” Novi said.

She added that individuals who appear quiet and compliant are not necessarily doing well. A lack of dialogue spaces in families and schools can leave someone without a safe place to express their feelings.

The two psychologists emphasised the importance of environmental sensitivity in recognising behavioural changes and opening channels of communication so that emotional pressures do not develop into actions that harm others.