inp.polri.go.id - Jakarta. The Ministry of Health stated that the 2026 Mental Health Awareness Month themed "More Good Days, Together," emphasizes the need for partnerships, policies, and services to work together to address three contemporary issues: climate change, economic stress, and digital behavior.
"This campaign promotes a preventative approach, early detection, and strengthening community support, a crucial step in a large city like Jakarta, where urban stress, seasonal flooding, and economic uncertainty impact mental well-being," explained Dr. Imran Pambudi, Director of Health Services for Vulnerable Groups at the Ministry of Health, on Friday (5/8/2026).
Director Imran explained that the scale of the global challenge underscores the urgency of collective action. More than 1 billion people worldwide live with mental health conditions, with anxiety and depression being the most common; yet many do not receive effective treatment.
The link between mental health and contemporary issues such as climate change, economic stress, and digital behavior becomes clearer in the following explanation. First, responding to the psychological impacts of climate change must be an integral part of mitigation and adaptation policies.
He noted that when floods, wildfires, or heatwaves strike, the effects are not just physical and economic; trauma, loss, and climate anxiety linger for a long time on individuals and communities. Therefore, any emergency response plan needs to include trained psychosocial support services, not as an afterthought but as a core component.
Second, he said, economic stress demands solutions that combine social policy and mental health services. Financial stress, unemployment, and debt are closely linked to increases in depression, anxiety disorders, and sleep disturbances; while access to care is often hampered by cost and stigma.
Effective interventions must be cross-sectoral, ranging from social protection programs such as temporary cash assistance and access to employee counseling to financial literacy campaigns.
"Third, the dynamics of digital behavior demand a balanced approach: recognizing the benefits of online connections while mitigating the risks," said Director Imran.
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