Adolescence is one of the most critical stages in the life cycle. During this period, young people experience rapid physical growth and emotional, social, and cognitive development, shaping their character and influencing their future. As they navigate their identity discovery, adolescents face a range of challenges, including academic pressure, friendships, family dynamics, and the increasingly complex influence of social media. Without adequate support and the ability to regulate emotions, these can develop into mental health problems.
In recent years, adolescent mental health has become increasingly alarming. The 2022 Indonesia National Adolescent Mental Health Survey (I-NAMHS) found that approximately 15.5 million, or 34.9%, of adolescents in Indonesia have experienced mental health problems. Consistent with the World Health Organization (WHO), one in seven children and adolescents aged 10-19 worldwide live with a mental health disorder. These indicate that adolescent mental health is no longer an individual concern but a public health challenge that requires attention and intervention.
In response to these findings, Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (Psychology UGM), Professor Rahmat Hidayat, explained that data showing one-third of adolescents experience mental health problems does not equal to experience them at the same time. Rather, it reflects lifetime prevalence, meaning an individual has experienced a mental health problem at least once during adolescence. Nevertheless, the statistic points to a serious issue requiring attention.
Professor Hidayat explained that not every emotional upheaval experienced during adolescence can be classified as a mental health disorder. Everyone naturally goes through various developmental crises as part of the growth process, from childhood to early adulthood. These crises are factually essential stages in developing independence and maturity.
“Experiencing crises during developmental stages is normal. Successfully overcoming these developmental crises becomes the stepping stone toward adulthood and maturity,” he said on Thursday (Jul. 30).
However, when these remain unresolved and continue to accumulate, they can develop into psychosocial problems and lead to more serious mental health disorders. Psychosocial problems primarily disrupt an individual’s social functioning, whereas mental health disorders affect psychological functioning, including emotions, thinking, and perception of reality.
“Feeling confused, lacking self-confidence, or experiencing emotional ups and downs is part of the developmental process. But when these develop into persistent sadness or depression, they become mental health problems,” he explained.
Professor Hidayat added that unresolved psychosocial problems can become an increasingly heavy burden for adolescents. Therefore, support from loved ones plays a crucial role in navigating difficult times. The presence of family members, peers, and supportive school or university environments where young people can be heard without judgment can significantly reduce psychological distress.
“Stress itself is not the problem. The real issue is excessive and prolonged stress that exceeds our physical and psychological resilience. Without stress, people would never grow,” he said.
Parents’ Role in Recognizing Early Signs
Professor Hidayat believes many parents still struggle to distinguish between normal emotional changes and the early signs of mental health disorders. Giving children space to process their emotions is different from neglecting or ignoring their experience.
He explained that parents need to demonstrate empathy while being ready to support when their children need help. Being present does not always mean questioning but rather creating an environment where children feel safe enough to share their feelings.
“Giving space is different from neglecting. Good parents allow their children to experience life’s challenges while making it clear that they are always ready to provide support without judgment whenever needed,” he explained.
On the other hand, parents also need to recognize when changes in their children’s behavior go beyond what is considered normal. For example, if a child self-isolates in their room for several days, loses interest in daily activities, or exhibits drastic behavioral changes, these may be warning signs that require immediate attention through warm communication and, if necessary, professional assistance.
Mental Health Literacy and a Supportive Environment
Beyond the family, Professor Hidayat believes that limited mental health literacy has contributed to many cases going undetected in their early stages. He expressed gratitude that public awareness has improved in recent years, encouraging more individuals experiencing mental health problems to seek help.
According to him, improved mental health literacy must also be accompanied by accessible support systems. Within higher education, students should know where to seek help when experiencing psychological distress.
“Mental health literacy has improved considerably in recent years. People experiencing mental health problems are becoming more aware of when they need help and where to seek it,” he said.
Professor Hidayat sees that UGM has established various mental health support services for its academic community, including the Mental Health Service Unit (ULKM), Mental Health Emergency Response Lines, and other counseling and assistance programs. He believes these services are part of the university’s commitment to creating a safe and supportive campus environment.
He also urged the public to stop viewing mental health disorders as a stigma. Mental health conditions are health issues that deserve the same level of attention as physical illnesses and therefore require appropriate treatment.
Screening Must Be Followed by Continued Support
Regarding the government’s recommendation to conduct mental health screenings in schools and universities, Professor Hidayat considers the initiative important but insufficient if not followed by proper support mechanisms after screening. Screening serves only as an initial step to identify individuals who need help. Without a structured follow-up system, screening results cannot deliver meaningful benefits.
“Screening is effective, but it is not enough. Identifying an illness without providing treatment is pointless,” he said.
He also highlighted UGM’s approach, where the Mental Health Service Unit coordinates follow-up through monitoring and professional assistance for every screening result. This enables students to receive continuous support tailored to their individual needs.
Professor Hidayat hopes similar approaches can be adopted more broadly by educational institutions and the government so that early detection efforts do not end with identification alone.
Never Be Afraid to Seek Help
At the end of the interview, Professor Hidayat encouraged adolescents not to feel ashamed if they experience mental health problems. Accepting what they are going through is the first step toward receiving appropriate care.
Asking for help is not a sign of weakness. Instead, having the courage to seek support is part of the journey toward becoming a more mature individual.
“Mental health problems are unavoidable in certain situations. The best response is to acknowledge that you are experiencing a mental health problem and never feel ashamed to ask for help,” he said.
Professor Hidayat believes that with appropriate support and a willingness to seek assistance, the experience of overcoming mental health problems can become a valuable learning process that helps individuals become more resilient and better prepared to face life’s challenges.
“When mental health problems are addressed properly, they become part of personal growth, helping individuals become psychologically capable, mature, and ready to fulfill the many roles they will have in life,” he concluded.
Author: Zabrina Kumara
Editor: Gusti Grehenson
Post-editor: Jasmine Ferdian
Photo: Magnific