Mental Health In Indonesian Children Is Worrying, Dominated By Experiencing Depression

Illustration of children being alone (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Mental health in Indonesian children is currently quite concerning. Many children experience mental health problems, one of which is depression.

The Director of Mental Health of the Indonesian Ministry of Health, Dr. Imran Pambudi, MPHM, revealed in the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey (SKI) data that around 6.1 percent of children aged 15 years and over experience mental health problems.

"Data from Indonesia's health survey in 2023, around 6.1 percent of children over 15 years of age experience mental health problems. And the highest prevalence is depression," said Imran Pambudi at the Mental Health Talkshow Dompet Dhuafa event, on Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

Imran Pambudi also explained that about 60 percent of Generation Z or Gen Z had problems with their mental health. This figure is even much higher than the previous generation.

"Almost 60 percent of Z's genes have mental health problems and this is much bigger than previous generations," he said.

However, Imran Pambudi also reminded that the number is only recorded and cases of children's mental health are currently being massively reported with the many reports available. He assessed that there are still many cases of mental health in children in Indonesia that have not been reported, which must be a common concern.

Not only that, Imran Pambudi also said that most children experience mental health problems starting from problems at home. Therefore, it is the duty of parents to create a safe and comfortable family environment for children, so that their mental health is also well maintained.

"Now most of the mistakes started from home. In the past, problems that came when they were at home could be suppressed, now the problem has come from home. So this is our concern and it's also the parents' job to overcome it," concluded Imran Pambudi.