Indonesian Workers Who Experiencing Depression Increase, How To Overcome It?

Illustration of depression at work (Freepic)

JAKARTA - The World Health Organization (WHO) noted that one case of suicide occurs every 40 seconds in the world, and Indonesia is also affected, especially in youth groups and productive age. The latest survey of the Ministry of Health revealed that 6 percent of employees experienced symptoms of depression related to work pressure.

Employees who have a healthy mental condition tend to be more productive, creative and satisfied with their work. However, mental health is often neglected, which causes decreased productivity, and overall quality of life.

There are several factors that cause a worker to experience depression. Starting from internal factors influenced by the character of the worker, to external factors such as economic uncertainty and demands for tasks in his place of work.

"It's personal or character. There are external factors too," dr. Edi Alpino, MKK, Sp. KKLP, Family Medical Specialist, during a round table discussion at the Metropolitan Medical Center Hospital (MC Hospital), in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Thursday, July 10, 2025.

"Environmental factors of economic uncertainty, political uncertainty, are also one of the sources. Then organizational factors, yes, demands for tasks, demands for facilities, culture of workplaces," he added.

The depression experienced by workers must be handled not only by individual workers themselves, but also by the company. Handling must be precise and fast because if it cannot have an impact on fatal conditions.

"In the office environment, interactions between employees are often colored by positive and negative perceptions, as well as individual factors that can have serious consequences, including the emergence of the desire to commit suicide," said dr. Adhi Nurhidayat, SpKJ, Subsp.Ad(K), MPH, Mental Medicine Specialist Subspeciesilist Medical Center Metropolitan Hospital Addiction.

The suicide rate tends to be higher in low-income individuals than those with higher-income incomes, he continued.

Therefore, the company should provide facilities for employees to consult with medical personnel regarding their mental health. One of the therapies that supports efforts to deal with mental health disorders and suicide prevention is esketamin therapy.

Esketamin therapy is a treatment for severe depression that has not improved with regular treatment. At the MMC Hospital with the presence of Poli deCent, esketamin therapy is the main therapy and is the choice of workers and companies to reduce the number of cases of mental health disorders, including depression and the tendency to commit suicide.

Apart from therapy, overcoming depression in the world of work can also be done with more open communication related to health problems in the work environment. Social support must also be given to workers who suffer from depression.

"For example, with open communication, support from each other, don't just define it if the risks of stress have arisen. The understanding of stress must be notified repeatedly so that they understand correctly," concluded Doctor Edi Alpino.