Exploring Mental Health, In Indonesia, Is The Crisis Surging Among Adolescents?

 

Emergency Room Visits for Mental Health Crisis, in its latest report shows that in the United States from 2011 to 2020, surged among children, adolescents, and young adults, mostly among adolescents from 6-24 years old. The survey results were found by researchers from UConn School of Medicine & Team Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA) in the May 2 issue, which is an annual study or survey across hospitals in the US. However, in this case, with the high mental health problems among adolescents, it also occurs globally, including in Indonesia.

The World Health Organization (WHO), revealed that globally one in seven children aged 10-19 years, is estimated to have experienced a mental health condition or mental disorder, which accounts for 14 percent of the global burden of disease in that age group.

Depression, anxiety, and behavioral disorders are among the leading causes of illness and disability among adolescents. While suicide is the fourth leading cause of death among 15-29 year olds.

Quoting from the Indonesia-National Adolescent Mental Health Survey, by 2022, 15.5 million or 34.% of adolescents have experienced mental problem conditions, and 2.45 million or 5.5% of adolescents experience mental disorder conditions. And of the 2.6%, are those who access counseling services, either because of emotions or behavior.

Meanwhile, according to sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id on (12/10/2023), explained that data in Indonesia, on the condition of mental health disorders, showed that 6.1 percent of the Indonesian population aged 15 years and over.

What is Mental Health?

Mental health is one of the vital aspects of human life that is often overlooked. With all the pressures and demands in life, maintaining mental health should be even more important. So, what is the definition of mental health? According to WHO, the definition of Health itself is something that must be considered and maintained, whether in the form of physical, mental, or social health in order to achieve a harmonious condition. In addition, WHO also defines Healthy as a state or condition that is complete in terms of physical, mental and social well-being, and the absence of certain diseases or weaknesses that a person has. From the definition of health above, with the aim of achieving social welfare, healthy also means covering the meaning of psychological health. The meaning of the word Mental, taken from the Greek language, which means the same as the word Psyche in Latin, which shows the meaning of psychic, soul or psychiatry.

Meanwhile, WHO defines Mental Health itself as a state or condition of well-being of individuals who are aware of their own potential, and can cope with normal life pressures, can also work productively and have results, and are able to contribute to their circles, organizations or communities.

In the book Mental Hygiene, in 2011 according to Yusuf, explains that mental health is related to several things. 1) About how a person thinks, feels and lives his daily life. 2) About how a person views himself and others. 3) About how a person evaluates various alternative solutions, as well as about how a person makes decisions on the circumstances they are facing.

History of Mental Health?

Diana Vidya Fakhriyani, in her book entitled "Mental Health" in 2019, explains that the history of mental health is divided into two ages. First, the Pre-Scientific Age which includes Animism, and Naturalism. Second, the Modern Age around 1783. On the other hand, in the 19th century around 1875 AD, the study of mental health was already known in Germany.

The Urgency of Mental Health?

Mental health is not only about the absence of mental disorders, but also about social well-being that includes emotional and psychological well-being. A good mental state makes it possible for a person to cope with stress, establish healthy relationships, and contribute positively to daily life. In addition, by maintaining good mental health, one can improve their productivity, creativity and overall quality of life.

Some Ways to Maintain Mental Health?

Physical Activity: Getting Enough Exercise

By engaging in activities such as regular exercise, one will get an increase in the production of endorphins, a hormone that can relieve stress and improve overall mood. Physical activity through exercise can also help reduce the risk of depression and anxiety.

Get Enough Rest

With a lack of sleep, did you know that a person can have a negative impact on mental health. Therefore, make sure to get enough rest every night, because good sleep will play a very important role in brain recovery.

Learn to Manage Stress

Learning to manage stress is one of the most important skills in maintaining mental health. Relaxation techniques include meditation, yoga, or deep breathing. By doing so, one can help reduce their stress levels.

Maintaining Social Relationships

With social interaction, did you know that it has a huge impact on one's mental health. So maintain and nurture relationships such as with family, friends, and certain communities. Thus, one can provide emotional support which is quite important.

Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries means knowing when to compromise and setting certain limits, which is an important step in maintaining mental health. Avoiding overcommitting yourself and learning to say no can prevent mental fatigue.

Simple Steps to Improve Mindfulness

Practice Gratitude

Appreciating the positives and simplicities in life can improve your mood and relieve stress. Writing a gratitude journal every day can potentially be a simple way to practice it. Also, try to learn to accept things or circumstances as they are, simply, and not force them. Or, for Muslims, try doing spiritual activities such as reading the Qur'an, praying, fasting, and listening to lectures or spiritual inspiration. Doing so can help calm the heart as a whole.

Hobbies & Recovery Activities

Engaging in preferred activities such as our own hobbies can be an effective way to escape from daily stresses and improve mental health. Take it slow, don't force it, if you feel tired and dizzy at times, take a break and then resume.

Talk to a Mental Health Professional

If this is necessary, there is no shame in seeking professional help. Psychotherapists or counselors can provide more support / and the tools needed to address mental health issues can be very helpful.

Taking care of your mental health is not just a trend, it is a basic necessity. By understanding the importance of mental health and how to implement simple steps to take care of it, we can certainly create a strong foundation for overall happiness and well-being. As times change, valuing mental health as an integral part of everyday life will be a crucial step towards ensuring an optimal quality of life.

Reference:

World Health Organization (17/11/21)

Sehatnegeriku.kemkes.go.id (12/10/23)

Diana V.K,. (2019) Kesehatan Mental. Cv. Duta Media.

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