Depression Becomes A Serious Threat In East Kalimantan, Health Office Calls Rank 3 National

Head of the East Kalimantan Health Office, doctor Jaya Mualimin. (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Depression is now one of the biggest challenges in public health, especially in the midst of increasingly complex and rapidly changing life pressures.

In East Kalimantan (Kaltim), this condition has reached an alarming level, even placing the province in the third highest position nationally in cases of depression.

The head of the East Kalimantan Health Office, Jaya Mualimin, expressed his concern about this condition. According to him, the high rate of depression is a signal that serious attention to mental health must be increased immediately.

"This is homework for all of us. East Kalimantan occupies the third position nationally in cases of depression, and this is definitely not a number that can be ignored," Jaya said when met in Samarinda, Thursday.

He added that maintaining mental health is as important as maintaining physical health, especially in an era full of uncertainty as it is today. Economic, social, and global turmoil are considered to be the trigger for increasing stress and mental pressure in society.

In responding to this situation, the East Kalimantan Health Office continues to encourage health service facilities, ranging from health centers to regional hospitals, to actively educate the public about the importance of managing stress and creating happiness in everyday life.

"When the world is increasingly difficult to predict, our ability to remain calm, feel comfortable, and be able to build good communication with ourselves is very important. Don't let unsatisfiedness continue to master our minds," said Jaya.

Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of building healthy communication, both in the family and in the social environment. According to him, good interpersonal relations can be the main bulwark in preventing mental disorders.

"We can reduce the risk of mental disorders by building an environment that supports each other. Positive interactions can be the main support for a person's mental health," he added.

As part of efforts to expand access to mental health services, Atma Husada Mahakam Regional Mental Hospital (RSJD) participated in the East Kalimantan Fair 2025 which took place at Big Mall Samarinda on April 16, 20, 2025. In this activity, the public can take part in the free mental health screening.

"RSJD is present at East Kalimantan Fair by providing free screening services for early detection of mental problems," said Jaya.

One of the main initiatives introduced was the Ketan Mas Rido program, an early detection program designed to help people recognize early symptoms of mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, to indications of a desire to end life.

"We want to emphasize that the courage to admit there is a problem is the first step towards recovery," he explained.

The Ketan Mas Rido program also provides information and support for anyone who is facing a heavy mental burden. The main message is that no one is truly alone in facing the challenges of life, and assistance is always available.

"We invite the public to be more open to the services we provide. Hopefully, with the active involvement of the community, the depression rate in East Kalimantan can be significantly reduced," Jaya concluded.