Most People with Mental Illness are Young?

Most people with mental illness are young?

By sinsin sintya

Recently, mental health disorders are very vulnerable among children and adolescents. This problem makes the growth of adolescents not run as it should. Actually, the problem of mental illness/mental disorders has become a health problem that cannot be solved by society whether it is in a global or national stay. Especially after the COVID 19 pandemic hit. The COVID 19 pandemic is quite affecting the physical and mental health of the community whether exposed to the virus or not.

According to data from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, about 22 percent of teenagers have severe mental health disorders. In fact, almost half of them experience mental health problems at the age of 14Plt. Director General of Disease Prevention and Control, Ministry of Health, Dr. Maxi Rein Rondonuwu said that the community is still struggling to control the spread of the COVID-19 virus, but on the other hand feelings of anxiety, fear, mental stress due to isolation, physical distancing and social relationships, and uncertainty are rapidly spreading among the community.

"These things certainly have an impact on the increase in mental health problems and disorders in the community," he said in a virtual press conference on Wednesday (6/10).

Basic Health Research (Riskesdas) 2018, shows that there are more than 19 million people aged more than 15 years experiencing mental emotional disorders, and more than 12 million people aged more than 15 years experiencing depression.

The Research and Development Agency in 2016 has obtained data based on the Sample Registration System that suicide occurs as many as 1,800 people / year or every day there are 5 people committing suicide, and 47.7% of suicide victims are at the age of 10-39 years, which is the age of adolescents and productive age. Director of Prevention and Control of Mental Health and Drug Problems Dr. Celestinus Eigya Munthe explained that mental health problems in Indonesia are related to the high prevalence of people with mental disorders. Indonesia currently has a prevalence of people with mental disorders of around 1 in 5 people, meaning that around 20% of the population in Indonesia has the potential for mental disorder problems. "This is a very high problem because 20% of the 250 million population has the potential to experience mental health problems," he said.

In addition, mental health problems in Indonesia are also constrained by stigma and discrimination. "We realize that until today we have been trying to educate the public and other professionals in order to eliminate stigma and discrimination against people with mental disorders, as well as the fulfillment of human rights to people with mental disorders," said Celestinus.Dr. Maxi said the situation of mental health problems encouraged the government to ensure that mental health could be prioritized more than before.Local governments must make mental health programs and services the focus of attention, of course, by providing various facilities and infrastructure related to adequate mental health.

"To the community, to maintain personal health and remain compliant and disciplined with health protocols so as not to contract COVID-19, and always maintain mental health by managing stress well, creating a safe, comfortable atmosphere for all family members," he said.

So what are the solutions that can be given to prevent this from happening? Before we figure out how to prevent mental illness, we must first know what mental illness is, what types it is, what the symptoms are, and who is susceptible to it. If we have enough knowledge about mental disorders, knowing the solutions to prevent mental disorders will be easy to do. Reporting from the prudential.co.id page, we can prevent this with simple things like the following:

1.Meditation

Meditation can help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression which are part of mental health problems. Through meditation, you will focus more on breathing, reduce distracting thoughts, and increase self-awareness. Make meditation a regular part of your habit to help manage your emotions and improve your mental well-being.

2.Exercise

Exercise can produce endorphins, which are chemical compounds in the brain that can improve mood and reduce stress. In addition, exercise can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety, and improve sleep and overall quality of life. Start exercising at a light pace but stay consistent for better mental well-being.

3.Manage Your Diet

Eating nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, fish and whole grains will provide the necessary nutrients for optimal brain function. Avoid eating processed foods and excessive sugar. Reduce alcohol consumption to keep emotions stable and the risk of mental disorders can be overcome.

4.Avoiding Bad Habits

Bad habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, illicit drug use, uruk and affect the balance of brain chemistry that can worsen the symptoms of mental problems. Avoiding bad habits is the best form of support for your mental health. Bad habits such as excessive alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, or smoking can aggravate and affect the balance of brain chemistry which can worsen the symptoms of mental problems. Avoid bad habits as the best support for your mental health.

5.Strengthening Social Support

Strong social support can overcome mental health problems. Socialize and talk with friends, family, or a therapist to help you deal with mental challenges. Maintain healthy relationships and strengthen your social support network, so that social isolation can be reduced and mental well-being improved.

6.Maintain Physical Health

Optimal physical health has a positive impact on mental health. Take care of your body by getting enough sleep, maintaining a healthy diet, and avoiding harmful habits. When the body is in good condition, the brain will function better, reducing the risk of mental disorders and maintaining optimal mental health.

7.Get Enough Sleep

Getting enough rest is essential for mental health. Lack of sleep can affect your mood, concentration ability and endurance. The body will recover more easily and be able to re-regulate the chemical balance in the brain, thus helping to maintain good mental health. Try to get enough sleep every night for around 7-8 hours to maintain optimal sleep quality.

8.Develop Coping Skills

Coping skills are an important step in overcoming mental health problems. Strategies for developing coping skills consist of managing emotions, managing time, talking to loved ones, or changing negative thought patterns into positive ones. You will be able to deal with life's challenges and pressures better and reduce the negative impact on mental health.

9.Reduce Stress

Stress is a major risk factor for mental health problems. Therefore, reduce stress in your daily life to maintain better mental health. Plan ahead, manage your time wisely, talk to trusted people, and engage in stress-reducing activities like yoga or art for optimal mental health.

10.Psychological Therapy

Psychological therapy is an effective way to address mental health issues. In psychological therapy, you can talk about your feelings, thoughts and experiences with a professional therapist. The therapist will help identify and address the causes of mental problems as well as strategies to deal with them better.