TheJakartaPost
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As support groups focus on mental health issues, stigma remains barrier to treatment
In Indonesia alone annually, suicide numbers reached 5,000, with the largest group aged 15 to 29 years old.
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Many people with mental health problems are hesitant to seek help due to stigma. (Shutterstock/Manop_Phimsit)
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ityasiwi Gita, 23, was well aware that she was dealing with anxiety and depression two years ago. With strong will to get better, she pushed herself to seek professional help, despite people calling her “dramatic” for doing so.
Gita had therapy sessions with psychologists at a clinic in Dharmawangsa, South Jakarta, which she said were immensely helpful.
“I felt that I could not help myself any longer. When I found the right psychologist, I was relieved and it was not hard at all to go to a therapy appointment every week,” said Gita.
Although she eventually took a stand for herself, she acknowledged that many people suffering from the same condition were reluctant to seek help, as they feared being labeled crazy, unstable or unproductive.
“The stigma remains. It is still taboo to discuss mental health issues in public,” she said.
“I’ve been going to counseling since May but I’m not embarrassed since it’s for my own good,” said Gita.
She also emphasized that finding a support system was important as she sought professional help.
