Global Mental Health
Mental health issues occur all around the world. The World Health Organisation and the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation report:
- Over 1.1 billion people suffer from mental or substance use disorders, worldwide.
- Approximately 20% of children and adolescents struggle with mental health issues.
- 50% of mental disorders appear prior to age 14.
- Mental and substance use disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide.
- Every year, over 800,000 people commit suicide.
Challenges Associated with Global Mental Health
Several challenges can serve as barriers to providing appropriate care for these individuals. These can include:
- Unavailability of mental health care provision in low and middle-income countries
- Misunderstandings and stigma surrounding mental illness such as:
- Belief that mental health issues are untreatable and those who suffer from them are difficult, unintelligent, incapable and inferior.
- Those who require psychological assistance are discouraged from seeking help due to abuse, rejection and isolation.
- Mistreatment and discrimination of those with mental disorders within the healthcare system
Mental Health in Indonesia
Prevalence of Mental Health Issues
According to the 2013 Indonesian national health research (RISKESDAS):
- Approximately 3.7% (9 million) people are suffering from depression, out of a population of 250 million people.
- Around 6% (14 million) people aged 15 and over suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety.
- Around 1.7 per 1000 people suffer from a chronic psychological disorder, such as schizophrenia.
Mental Health Care in Indonesia
There are only 600-800 psychiatrists in the whole of Indonesia (Indonesian Ministry of Health). This leaves a ratio of 0.01 psychiatrists per 100,000 people (WHO, 2014).
To improve mental health in Indonesia:
- Collaboration between various sectors is crucial, as mental health is a result of an interaction between psychological, social and biological factors.
- Strategies that incorporate promotion, prevention, cure and rehabilitation should be emphasised.
- Mental health organisations, the government and the general public must work together to create change.
