Ruang PEKA Vol. 3: Stigma terkait Kesehatan Mental

Summary

This Ruang PEKA session explores stigma surrounding mental health in Indonesia. The speakers explain that stigma can grow from misinformation, limited understanding, family and social attitudes, and ideas learned from a young age. It may take the form of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination. When people absorb these judgments, they may develop self-stigma—for example, believing that mental health difficulties mean they are weak or incapable.

Stigma can discourage people from seeking professional help and worsen their wellbeing. The speakers emphasize that mental health challenges can affect anyone. They are not a sign of weak faith or a personal failing, and they are not a reason to assume someone is dangerous. Mental health difficulties are treatable, and people can continue to study, work, and take part in community life.

The speakers also shared personal experiences. Bayu described being stigmatized because of his disability. Mita spoke about being misunderstood by people close to her and about the mistaken belief that mental health problems reflect a lack of faith. Petrik shared his experience of schizophrenia, treatment, and finding support through a peer community.

Wellness and Support Strategies

• Learn from reliable information. Understanding mental health can help challenge myths and identify when support may be useful.
• Seek professional help when needed. A psychologist or psychiatrist can assess concerns and recommend care. The session stresses that a diagnosis should come from a professional.
• Follow treatment plans. Petrik highlighted the importance of taking prescribed medication regularly and staying connected with care and support.
• Allow time for recovery. Be patient with yourself rather than expecting change to happen immediately.
• Make space for self-care and rest. The moderator encouraged attendees who felt overwhelmed by the sensitive topic to pause, take a break, or get a drink. Exercise and watching a movie were also mentioned as possible forms of self-care.
• Stay connected. Support from family, friends, and peer communities can help people feel less alone and maintain everyday activities.
• Keep meaningful activities in your routine. Participants described painting, drawing, social activities, and other interests as ways to stay engaged and express themselves.
• Challenge self-stigma with self-compassion. A mental health condition does not define a whole person. Acknowledge the difficulty while recognizing your abilities, interests, and other parts of your identity.
• Respond to others with empathy. Listen without dismissing someone’s distress, avoid labeling or blaming them, and offer support rather than isolation.
• Share information thoughtfully. Accurate information can help reduce stigma, while respecting that others may need time to listen.
• Use coping practices that fit the individual. Mita described worship as personally comforting. The speakers cautioned against assuming that mental health difficulties are caused by insufficient faith or that one coping method suits everyone.

The moderator also mentioned mental-health support options shown during the event: Sejiwa at 119, extension 8, and a child social service line at 1500 711. The session also referred to services from the Indonesian Psychology Association.

Presenters and Sources

• Fahmi — Moderator; doctor at a community health center and hospital in Central Java
• Anisa Mega Redyani (“Icha”) — Speaker from Into the Light Indonesia; psychology graduate pursuing clinical psychology training
• Bayu Satria — Youth speaker from Aceh
• Rianita Sevanti Carolina (“Mita”) — Youth speaker from Aceh
• Petrik — Speaker and schizophrenia survivor, affiliated with the Indonesian Schizophrenia Care Community (KPSI)
• Event and survey context: CIMSA, Love Indonesia, and UNICEF Indonesia; the youth speakers were associated with Aceh Youth Action.