A study related to mental health conducted by the WHO (World Health Organization) in 2009 stated that globally, it is estimated that as many as 24 million people have suffered from schizophrenia. In Indonesia, according to Riskesdas (2007) as many as 1 million people or about 0.46% of the total population of Indonesia suffer from schizophrenia. While those who experience mental emotional disorders (anxiety and depression) are 11.6% or about 19 million people. But there are still many people who discriminate against others just because that person is a person with a mental disorder. Often people around or even the community have a negative stigma against ODGJ. According to research published in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 38 percent of people don’t want to live next to an ODGJ, 33% don’t want to be friends with someone living with a psychiatric problem. 58% do not want to work with them, and 68% do not want people with mental disorders to marry into their families.

According to Akemat, Helena, Keliat, Nurhaeni in 2011 stated that mental disorders are manifestations of behavioral deviations due to emotional distortions so that irregularities are found in terms of behavior. This happens because of the decline in all mental functions. Besides that, Akemat, Helena, Keliat & Nurhaeni (2011) also mention the characteristics of people with mental disorders as follows: prolonged sadness, not enthusiastic and tend to be lazy, angry for no reason, shutting himself up, not recognizing people, talking chaotic, talking to himself, unable to take care of themselves. We can support ODGJ in a simple way. According to the Law of the Republic of Indonesia No. 18 of 2014, people with mental disorders, abbreviated as ODGJ, are people who experience disturbances in thoughts, behavior, and feelings that are manifested in the form of a set of symptoms and significant behavioral changes, and can cause suffering and obstacles in carrying out people’s functions as humans. Meanwhile, for example, supporting people with mental disorders and their families by reducing discrimination. Simple ways to help include learning and sharing facts about mental health. Then, to remove the stigma, we should also not label or judge people with mental illness. The trick, treat them with respect, as we do to other people.

Being healthy both physically and spiritually is the desire of every individual in this world. Not everyone wants to feel sick, especially mentally. The definition of health proposed by WHO is an ideal state, from the biological, psychological, and social side so that a person can perform activities optimally. With the meaning that the healthy limits according to WHO include physical, mental, and social. However, it seems that there are many things that can cause a person to experience mental disorders. Breakup, loss of loved ones, failure of a business can be one of the reasons behind a person experiencing a mental disorder.

In addition, a study conducted by Sawitri (2008) stated that high family Expressed Emotions (EE) such as anger, ignorance, and hostility had a greater risk of relapse in schizophrenic patients. Psychologically, ODGJ needs family affection and attention due to decreased ability of physical and mental activity. The family is the front line in maintaining the mental health of its members and is the party that provides psychological support and first aid if symptoms appear that lead to the recurrence of ODGJ.

In the end, those who suffer from mental disorders are still human beings who have the same rights as all healthy people in this world. Presumably, respecting, appreciating and loving each other is the noblest thing we can do to still be able to live peacefully side by side with those who are struggling against the voice in their heads. Therefore, people with mental disorders deserve to be protected and cared for even though they are sick.

Referensi:

Herdiyanto, Y.K. (2017). Stigma Terhadap Orang Dengan Gangguan Jiwa di Bali. INQUIRY Jurnal Ilmiah Psikologi, Vol. 8 No. 2, hlm 121-132.

Kapungwe A, Cooper S, Mwanza J, et al. Mental Illness – Stigma and Discrimination in Zambia. African Journal of Psychiatry. 2010; 13 (3): 192-203.

Nasriati, Ririn (2017) Stigma dan dukungan keluarga dalam merawat orang dengan gangguan jiwa (ODGJ). MEDISAINS: Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu-ilmu Kesehatan, 15 (1). pp. 56-65. ISSN p-1693-7309 e- 2621-2366.

Zulfah, dkk. (2020) Penyuluhan tentang Permainan Asah Otak bagi ODGJ (Orang Dalam Gangguan Jiwa) di Desa Brodot Jombang. Jurnal Pengandian Masyarakat Vol. 1 No. 01.