Stay Calm, Mental Disorders Are Not A Sign Of Weak Faith

Illustration of mental disorders (Photo: Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Many think that depression, mental disorders, definitely lack of faith, lack of gratitude. Psychiatrist (psychiatrist) dr. Zulvia Oktanida Syarif, Sp.KJ said that mental disorders are not a sign that a person is weak in faith and lacks gratitude, because mental disorders are basically a disease.

"This is actually a myth, because mental disorders are a disease, just like physical illness. Everyone can get infected including doctors, medical personnel, religious leaders as well," Zulvia said as quoted by ANTARA, Saturday, October 15.

The doctor, who is a member of the Association of Mental Medicine Specialists (PDSKJI), explained that when faced with pressure or stress, everyone has a different coding mechanism. There are people who choose to sleep, there are also those who choose to eat, shop, walk, and worship.

Therefore, according to him, most people think that people who have mental health problems are people who lack worship. Instead of suggesting to a psychiatrist, they would prefer to increase worship.

"Worship, prayer, it relieves stress, but it's not the only way. Indeed, there is a study if we often feel grateful every morning, breathing fresh air, it increases mental health. But that doesn't mean people who are not grateful are definitely disturbed, because earlier, the concept is disease," explained Zulvia.

He also explained that there are many factors that cause a person to experience mental disorders, namely biological, psychological, and social factors.

According to him, biological factors can come from genetics. If he has a family member who has a history of mental disorders, then it is possible that he is also at risk of experiencing the same thing.

"In addition, there could also be changes in the way the brain works," he added.

Meanwhile, psychological factors can come from parenting patterns that he receives to the presence or absence of a history of trauma to bullying. Meanwhile, social factors can come from conditions that he experienced, such as layoffs, breakups, and household problems.

Because mental disorders are a disease, Zulvia also said that people who experience it certainly have to get treatment from a doctor.

"Ini sama seperti orang sakit tifus, TBC, enggak cuma ibadah lalu sakitnya sembuh. Kan tetap harus dirawat, terus berdoa. Sama, gangguan jiwa begitu. Bebat juga dan berbatilah siap untuk melengkapi pendekatan terhadap penyakit," katanya.

"When someone gets treatment early on, so don't delay, he can still function properly. Keep working, still being able to work, stay active, don't look like he has a mental disorder problem," he added.