Self-diagnosis is incomplete without confirmation from an expert

Generation Z is at risk of experiencing mental health disorders, but few seek help and counseling services. This generation born 1997-2012 prefers to self-diagnose by taking advantage of the ease of access to information from the internet.

The prevalence of Generation Z experiencing mental health disorders, according to the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey Report, is 2.8 percent. This figure is the second highest after the prevalence of mental disorders in the population aged 75 years and over (3.1 percent).

However, the Z generation is the least likely to take advantage of mental health services. According to the Indonesian Health Survey 2023, only 10.4 percent of the Z generation who suffer from depression seek medical treatment. Meanwhile, the community suffering from depression who seek medical treatment the most are those aged 55-64, which is 17.7 percent.

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In line with the “Indonesia Gen Z Report 2024” by IDN Research Institute, mental health is the second biggest issue for the Z generation, reaching 51 percent. Meanwhile, only 2.6 percent of teenagers seek help and use counseling services.

I once consulted a village midwife, but when my blood pressure and other things were checked, they were normal. I was advised to go to the nearest health center, to consult a doctor who handles ODGJ. I was even more afraid, then I watched a video on Youtube, I found content related to psychosomatics.

Husaein (27), a village official in Wonosobo, Central Java, often experiences fever and persistent headaches for a week. The illness arises when he thinks about the heavy workload pressure in the office.

However, due to the negative stigma in his environment, he was forced to self-diagnose mental health.

“I once consulted a village midwife, but when my blood pressure and other things were checked, they were normal. I was advised to go to the nearest health center, to consult with someone who handles ODGJ. I was even more afraid, then I watched a video on YouTube, I found content related to psychosomatics,” said Husaein.

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Until now, Husaein has not consulted with a psychologist. He only confides in his wife and closest friends. When his anxiety comes in a relatively severe intensity, Husaein usually keeps quiet and often asks for permission to be absent from work.

Self-diagnosis has also been done by Nanda (23), a private employee in Yogyakarta, to answer the curiosity and deep anxiety that she felt within herself. In 2019, while still in college and experiencing uncontrollable emotions, she tried to self-diagnose using an online application.

“Honestly, I once made a self-diagnosis like that, but it’s not very valid if it’s on the internet. From there, I became curious whether or not I was really like this. Until finally I went to a psychologist,” Nanda explained.

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Afterwards, she has consulted with several clinical psychologists several times, either for free through campus facilities or by paying for private psychologists. Before starting the consultation, Nanda usually undergoes a mental health screening. There, Nanda feels more confident about her true condition as she is served by professional staff.

For some young people, self-diagnosis is also carried out due to their interest in mental health. This motivation arose in Adna (16), a private high school student in South Tangerang. She diagnosed herself because of her interest in the field of psychology.

“I self-diagnose by reading literature and comparing symptoms just to try. But, sometimes there is also a drive to seek a diagnosis,” said Adna.

After graduating from high school, Adna wants to study psychology in college and aims to become an industrial and sports organizational psychologist. She feels that the field of psychology is not appreciated enough in Indonesia.

The difficult ones are those who have self-diagnosed and do not come for consultation. But then make a status on social media, for example, that they are bipolar.

The efforts of young people to learn more about mental health deserve appreciation, although they still need guidance. Pradipta Christy, a clinical psychologist in Semarang, Central Java, is very grateful that some of her clients are young people who are starting to become aware of mental health and are willing to come to a psychologist or psychiatrist to confirm the results of their self-diagnosis.

“The difficult ones are those who have self-diagnosed and do not come for consultation. But then make a status on social media, for example, that they are bipolar,” said Pradipta.

He cited the abundance of content on social media platforms, such as Tiktok, that contain characteristics of people experiencing mental health disorders. This content is good for encouraging others to become more aware of mental health. However, there are also consequences, where people who see the content may be able to easily self-diagnose.

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The widespread self-diagnosis due to the abundance of information is a growing trend. Clinical psychologist in Bandung, West Java, Hanifah, sees that access to information can be obtained from anywhere, as long as they have internet and devices. This makes it easy for someone to self-diagnose.

“In fact, self-diagnosis is dangerous. Because the client already has a perception or ‘match’. In fact, the problem is not that, but as if he is like that,” explained Hanifah.

According to him, many people use self-diagnosis as a shield to avoid responsibility. For example, if someone feels depressed, withdraws, and doesn’t want to be disturbed. However, it would be better if they seek professional help to check their mental condition and receive appropriate treatment.

Starting from screening to receiving the medicine, it is covered by BPJS, except in cases of drug abuse and suicide.

In addition to independent clinic psychologist services, the government also provides free mental health screening services. Director of Mental Health at the Ministry of Health, Vensya Sitohang, explained that if there are individuals in the community who experience mental health disorders, they can visit a first-level health facility (FKTP) for a check-up.

“Starting from screening to getting medicine, it is covered by BPJS, except in cases of drug abuse and suicide,” said Vensya.

At present, primary health care facilities (FKTP) have been filled with general practitioners who have already attained 4A-level competencies. These doctors can diagnose mental health and fully manage mild to moderate anxiety disorders and depression in the FKTP setting. Other cases can be handled by professionals at advanced level referral health facilities (FKRTL).

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The Head of Public Relations of BPJS Health, Rizzky Anugerah, explained that there is a national health insurance program (JKN) organized by BPJS Health relating to mental or psychological healthcare services. The services include consultations and access to necessary medications for participants.

The services in the National Health Insurance Program include individual health services that cover promotive, preventive, rehabilitative, and curative measures. “In primary healthcare facilities, participants can obtain individual health promotion related to mental health conditions. If participants need further treatment, they will be given management and medical treatment according to the participant’s medical indication,” explained Rizzky.

The Halodoc telemedicine application also offers several free self-mental health test services. In a written response, Halodoc stated that the provision of these services is an effort to democratize community access to finding initial validation for their mental health complaints. These tests include stress, anxiety, and depression tests.