Mentally Ill Patients in Jakarta Rise

The high number of inhabitants and social and economic problems make most Jakarta residents to struggle to cope with the life pressures and to be able to adapt to environmental changes. In fact, with a number of the problems that arise has caused many city citizens has a high level of frustration, depression, and stress leading to mental problems.

Based on last Riskesdas, mental patients in Jakarta increased dramatically this year compared to last year data that is likely to be stable

From 2014 fundamental health research data (riskesdas) Department of Health said that there are 1 million patients with serious psychiatric disorders and 19 million mild mental patients in Indonesia. Of that amount, a total of 385.700 persons or 2.03 percent of mental patients are located in the city and first ranked nationally. ”Based on last Riskesdas, mental patients in Jakarta increased dramatically this year compared to last year data that is likely to be stable," said Bella Patriajaya, Director of RSJ Suharto Heerdjan Grogol, Friday (4/11).

Bella stated that the increase in the number of patients that can be seen from the number of patients coming to the hospital in which reached approximately 200 inhabitants per day. While last year there are only 150 patients per day. As for the availability room in RSJ Suharto Heerdjan contained of 300 rooms and nearly 180 rooms are occupied by patients.

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According to Bella, the increasing number of mental patients is due to two factors: the living pressure and the fast environmental adaptability, also due to lack concern of mental health problems. "Actually this is very important and same as physical health. Therefore, citizens should consult their mental health at least once a year as a preventive measure or early prevention," uttered Bella.

Meanwhile, Head of West Jakarta Health Sub-Department, Widyastuti, added that her party is currently working with several health clinics for early prevention of mental illness. They will continue to disseminate and educate the public to dispel negative impression of people who experience mental illness.

"Not all mental patients were categorized as schizophrenia (severe mental illness). There are also people who have excessive anxiety," she completed.