Mental health is a prevalent issue, mental health is a person's state of emotional, psychological, and social well-being that enables them to think, feel, and behave well in everyday life. Good mental health helps a person deal with stress, establish healthy relationships, and make informed decisions. Mental health disorders can occur due to a variety of factors, such as life stressors, and trauma. But is mental health a very important aspect to pay attention to?
Health is not only seen in physical terms but also in mental terms. WHO says, healthy means a person is in a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not just free from disease or infirmity (WHO, 2018).Mental health is an important aspect of an individual's well-being that affects the way they think, and act but is often overlooked.
public awareness of the importance of mental health is still low especially in developing countries including Indonesia. Stigma towards mental illness lack of understanding and limited access to mental health services often prevent individuals from getting the support they need.
Unfortunately, mental health issues in Indonesia have not been prioritized compared to issues in physical health disorders (Rahvy et al., 2020; Prismatiwi, 2018). Mental health disorders are often ignored by sufferers, families, the surrounding environment and even society.
A person who is mentally healthy is able to maintain the harmony of his soul, is able to deal with problems that arise and is able to feel happiness and accept himself positively (Fakhriyani, 2019). People who have mental health problems display a variety of symptoms such as depression, stress, or anxiety disorders.
Despite its significant impact on individuals and society, mental health remains a neglected social issue due to a lack of awareness, and inadequate policies. The neglect of mental health as a social issue results in serious problems, including increased suicide rates, and decreased quality of life
Examples of mental health issues that are often overlooked in society include "Depression and mental disorders in adolescents". The problem experienced by a student in one of the high schools where she was always under pressure from her parents who demanded that she always get perfect grades academically. Every time her grades dropped, she was scolded and compared to her friends. As a result, she began to lose motivation to study and often felt sad.
" Many parents consider mental disorders in adolescents as a "normal phase" that will disappear on its own. In addition, the stigma against adolescents with mental disorders makes them reluctant to seek help.
To address the often overlooked issue of mental health, the first step is to raise awareness and educate the public to understand the importance of mental health, and requires government policy engagement, community support, family support, and individual awareness to break the cycle of ignoring the issue and reducing the negative stigma towards mental illness. In addition, creating a more supportive environment, such as being a good listener to those around us, can help them feel more valued and less alone.
I also encourage more people to see professional help as normal, as seeking help from a psychologist or psychiatrist is not a sign of weakness. The government also needs to provide easier and more affordable access to mental health services.With these steps, I hope that people will become more aware of mental health and provide support for those in need.
Mental health disorders in Indonesia are often perceived as a personal struggle rather than a social issue, due to inadequate support systems and limited access to mental health services. To reduce the neglect of mental health issues, society must recognize that mental health is an important part of overall well-being, just as important as physical health.
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