Doctors campaign for mental health awareness

Bandarlampung (ANTARA) - Some 20 doctors from Lampung Provincial Mental Hospital began a campaign on Thursday at the Bandarlampung's Adipura monument to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining mental health.

"The campaign is deemed as important, as the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that one person dies every 40 seconds due to suicide," said Head of Medical Committee and Lampung Mental Hospital Training Division, Dr. Tendry Septa, in Bandarlampung.

He explained that the number of suicide cases in Indonesia is considerably lower as compared to other countries, but the campaign is still important as it aims to raise awareness among people to communicate with someone for at least 40 seconds.

Suicide attempts, he continued, are often caused by two factors, which include a mental disorder or ongoing trouble in one's psyche.

Those with mental disorders often resort to extreme measures such as using sharp objects to hurt themselves, while those with a troubled psyche have varying levels of stress in their daily lives.

"It is our shared responsibility to prevent suicide attempts," he said.

He hoped the campaign could raise awareness and help the community detect the early signs of suicide.

"Those in the age group between 18 and 25 years are more vulnerable, and we need to be active listeners," he said.

October 10 is observed as World Mental Health Day. This year, the WHO, along with its global partners, is focusing on suicide prevention.

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