Episode 88: Let’s Talk About Mental Health (Repeat)

SWEDIAN IS OUT SICK AT THE MOMENT (LUCKILY, NOT BECAUSE OF COVID-19) SO IN THE MEAN TIME, AND IN LIGHT OF THE CURRENT SITUATION, WE WANT TO REPEAT OUR MENTAL HEALTH EPISODE, TO SUPPORT THOSE WHO MIGHT BE HAVING TROUBLE STAYING MENTALLY HEALTHY DURING THIS PANDEMIC. WE HOPE TO BE BACK AS SOON AS WE CAN! PLEASE STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY AT HOME.

In this episode, we’re discussing the topic of mental health! This issue has been in the news lately because Sandi, Prabowo’s running mate in the upcoming presidential elections, have said that if elected, the Prabowo-Sandi administration will dedicate greater efforts into addressing mental health in Indonesia — an issue that is seldom talked about and incredibly stigmatized in the country. We talk a lot about self-care, how to be a good friend in supporting those with mental illness and mental health issues, and discuss how to destigmatize the topic in Indonesian society and conversation. Stephanie shares a little bit about her history with mental health, and we hope this dialogue will encourage our listeners to open up about their own stories and reach out to others who may be suffering from similar situations. Neither of us are mental health professionals in any way, shape, or form, but we hope our discussion will be helpful in getting people to talk more openly and emphatically about mental health.

Some helpful resources for those with mental health issues in Indonesia:

  • Sehat Jiwa (Mental Health): the Indonesian Ministry of Health’s free app on mental health resources
  • Yayasan Pulih: organization dedicated to helping victims recover from psychological & psychosocial trauma
  • Komunitas Peduli Skizofrenia Indonesia: community dedicated to helping people suffering from schizophrenia
  • Into the Light: organization advocating for suicide prevention and better mental health for the youth
  • Bipolar Care Indonesia: community dedicated to helping people suffering from bipolar disorder
  • Kalm: online counseling app based in Indonesia that helps connect people with mental health professionals and counselors

Thanks for listening!

For those interested in learning more about the topic, we’ve provided links to resources as well as other recommended readings.
Stay safe, stay sane: How to mind your mental health amid COVID-19 pandemic — courtesy of the Jakarta Post
You and COVID-19: Complex mental health issues in a pandemic — courtesy of SANE, a mental health charity in Australia
These groups are among the most vulnerable during the COVID-19 pandemic — courtesy of The Conversation
VP candidate Sandiaga Uno promises national mental health center if elected — courtesy of Coconuts Jakarta
Types of mental health problems — courtesy of Mind, a mental health charity in the UK
Let’s talk openly about mental health — an opinion piece from the Jakarta Post
Why Indonesia must invest in mental health — courtesy of Rappler Indonesia
Indonesia: Treating Mental Health With Shackles — courtesy of Human Rights Watch
Kesehatan Mental di Indonesia Hari Ini — courtesy of Tirto
260 million people and less than 1000 psychiatrists, Indonesia’s mental health worker shortage — courtesy of The Conversation
 
 
 
MUSIC CREDITS:
SOUL HIGH by RYAN LITTLE
MONTMARTRE by JAHZAAR
NIGHT OWL and THE GREAT by BROKE FOR FREE