Feeling Mentally Tired? Let's Find Someone to Talk To

Kapanlagi.com - Have you ever felt extremely tired but not physically? Like your head is full, your heart is heavy, but you don’t know who to talk to? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. There are many teenagers out there who experience similar feelings. In fact, the National I-NAMHS (National Adolescent Mental Health) survey released by UGM in 2022 mentioned that more than 15 million Indonesian teenagers (aged 10-17 years) face mental health issues, ranging from excessive anxiety, depression, to behavioral disorders.

Sadly, in early February 2025, a high school student in Banjarbaru was found dead, suspected of suicide due to severe mental pressure. This case became a national spotlight and made many people aware that mental health issues among teenagers are real and very serious. But unfortunately, many still take it lightly or even judge without knowing the story.

1. Triggers of Adolescent Mental Health

Illustration of a man being bullied by his friends (Photo credit: META AI)

Why is this issue so serious? Let's take another look at the data related to adolescent mental health released by several universities in Indonesia.

UNESA Survey in November 2024 involving 1,219 students using the SRQ-20 instrument revealed:
- 21.9% of students showed indications of severe mental disorders
- 43.5% in the moderate category
- 34.4% in the mild category

Interestingly, only 3.8% of students felt they had severe problems based on self-perception, indicating a gap between objective conditions and personal perception.

Meanwhile, according to UGM survey regarding common mental disorders among adolescents, they include:

- Anxiety disorders (3.7%)
- Major depression (1.0%)
- Behavioral disorders (0.9%)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and ADHD each at 0.5%

Citing several health website sources, there are several factors that trigger adolescent mental health issues, including:

- Social and Media Pressure: Pressure to meet unrealistic beauty and success standards on social media can trigger anxiety, depression, and decreased self-esteem. Continuous social comparison is also a trigger.

- Family Environment: Inappropriate parenting styles, whether too protective or neglectful, can have negative impacts. Prolonged family conflicts and lack of emotional support from parents are also risk factors.

- Bullying and Violence: Bullying, whether directly or online (cyberbullying), as well as physical or sexual violence, can lead to long-term emotional trauma, including social anxiety and low self-esteem.

- Physical Health and Lifestyle: Lack of sleep, unhealthy eating habits (high in sugar and saturated fats), and lack of physical activity can affect mental health. Lack of sunlight exposure can also influence the production of hormones that regulate mood.

- Academic Pressure: Heavy school workloads, demands for achievement, and lack of time management strategies can lead to excessive stress, even burnout.

- Traumatic Experiences: Traumatic experiences such as bullying, violence, sexual abuse, or natural disasters can trigger mental disorders.

- Identity Crisis: Difficulty in finding one's identity and facing physical and hormonal changes during puberty can cause stress and uncertainty.

Of course, the factors above are taken from common cases, while every adolescent has different experiences. If you have a friend who exhibits signs of mental disorders such as drastic mood changes, excessive anxiety, feelings of hopelessness/worthlessness, anger/aggression, frequent insomnia, self-harm, withdrawal from the environment, and other signs that indicate a change, do not distance yourself or judge without knowing their story. They need friends, and it is very important to seek help from mental health professionals.

2. Let's Chat!

Illustration of a woman needing a chat buddy (Photo credit: META AI)

There are many ways to help, including counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or talking to friends. You can also use apps or services just to share your problems, like Alma Care, which is designed to always be there for you, no matter your mood. Sad, angry, anxious, not knowing who to talk to because you're introverted, shy, or for other reasons. Try Alma Care, a safe and secure space, and you can talk 24 hours a day, whenever you want.

Alma will not judge your problems, Alma will listen and try to find solutions that are validated by professional psychiatrists. Alma is here to be a friend who understands you.

Remember, life is like riding a bike; sometimes you have to speed up, sometimes you have to brake, sometimes you fall, sometimes you get a flat tire, sometimes you find fortune on the road. But one thing is for sure, you have to keep pedaling! Because your life is beautiful. Try asking Alma, how valuable are you? Let's chat with Alma.

3. Let's Chat!

There are many ways to help, including counselors, psychologists, psychiatrists, or confiding in friends. You can also use applications or services to simply share your problems, like Alma Care, which is designed to always be with you, no matter your mood. Sad, angry, anxious, not knowing who to talk to because you're an introvert, shy, or for other reasons. Try Alma Care, a safe and secure space where you can chat 24 hours a day, every day. Whenever you want.

Alma will not judge your problems; Alma will listen and try to find solutions that are definitely validated by professional psychiatrists. Alma is here to be a friend who understands you.

Remember, life is like riding a bicycle; sometimes you have to speed up, sometimes you have to brake, sometimes you fall, sometimes you get a flat tire, sometimes you find fortune along the way. But one thing is for sure, you have to keep pedaling! Because your life is beautiful. Try asking Alma, how valuable are you? Let's chat with Alma.

(kpl/gtr)