With The Reason Of Shame Or Disgrace To The Family, 390 Residents In Central Java Are Sanctuated Because Of Mental Disorders

Illustration/PIXABAY

SOLO - The Central Java Health Service stated that the number of residents who were in shackles due to mental disorders in their area reached 390 cases throughout 2021.

"The number of residents in shackles in Central Java for the period January to June 2021 is 390 cases and they are spread across 35 regencies and cities in this area," said Head of the Central Java Provincial Health Office, Yulianto Prabowo, at the Commemoration of World Mental Health Day (HKJS) 2021 which was held in Regional Mental Hospital (RSJD) Surakarta, Central Java, quoted by Antara, Sunday, October 10.

According to Yulianto Prabowo, his party found many people who were shackled because of mental disorders. Because of that, they were shackled by their own families for reasons of shame or disgrace to the family and were not taken to the Regional Mental Hospital (RSJD).

The number of cases of people in pasung due to mental disorders in Central Java in 2020 reached 515 people.

"There are so many problems with shackles and almost all of them have been released, but after being released, the community put them back in shackles," said Yulianto.

According to the Central Java Health Office, to deal with this problem, the community must work together. With good cooperation, mental health problems can be handled properly. All components must be unified so that the numbers of the shackles can get everyone's attention.

Yulianto said the mental health case is part of the Central Java Provincial Government's efforts to carry out the mission to make its people healthier, smarter, and more cultured. In addition, people also love the environment, mental health is one of the neglected cultures of society and is now becoming more important.

"Mental health is an important part in the future, becoming a productive human resource, as well as a valuable national asset," he said.

Currently, 75 percent to 95 percent of people with mental disorders in low- and middle-income countries cannot access mental health services. Lack of investment in mental health, stigmatization and discrimination also contribute to treatment gaps.

According to him, stigma and discrimination do not only affect the health conditions of people with physical and mental disorders. But also family and lack of educational and job opportunities.

The Central Java Provincial Government has great attention to mental health. Central Java has three RSJD namely in Solo, Klaten and Semarang. This is in accordance with the mandate of the RI Law on Mental Health, where the Central Java Provincial Government is obliged to provide RSJD facilities proportional to the population in the area.