Yogyakarta. In late March 2024, the Health Ministry conducted mental health screenings on 12,121 students enrolled in specialized medical education programs (PPDS) from 28 hospitals.

The screening results revealed that approximately 22.4 percent of PPDS students exhibited symptoms of depression, with 3 percent or 399 individuals admitting to suicidal thoughts.

In response to these findings, Professor Yodi Mahendradhata from the Faculty of Medicine, Public Health, and Nursing at Gadjah Mada University (FK-KMK UGM) said they routinely conduct mental health assessments for students, including those in specialized medical education programs.

"We conduct health screenings for all prospective Specialist Doctors at the beginning of the education process," Yodi told reporters recently.

According to him, the purpose of these mental health assessments is to identify early signs of mental health issues among prospective students. However, he emphasized that the initial screening results are not conclusive and should be followed by further examinations by mental health professionals.

Yodi highlighted that it's not sufficient to conduct screenings alone; they also regulate the working hours of PPDS students to prevent physical and mental exhaustion.

"We always regulate working hours to be less than 80 hours per week for all prospective specialist doctors," he explained.

Additionally, the program administrators provide continuous education on managing depression symptoms to PPDS students and offer access to a team of psychologists if depression symptoms are indicated.

"These psychological services can also be accessed online for personal counseling to ensure confidentiality," he added.

Yodi stressed the importance of regular supervision by academic advisors regarding the condition and progress of specialized medical education students. Continuous mentoring plays a crucial role in supporting the quality of learning, as students may face various challenges during their education journey.

He mentioned that some challenges in specialized medical education include the high workload of 24-hour emergency services, prioritizing complex cases and complications, and meeting timely education completion targets set by institutions or scholarship providers.

"Mental health screening is one tangible effort in managing students' mental well-being," he concluded.

"Seeking help is a crucial step for anyone struggling with thoughts of suicide or mental health challenges. If you or someone you know is in crisis, please consider reaching out to a professional counselor or a suicide prevention hotline for support. Counseling services can provide a safe and confidential space to talk about your feelings and explore coping strategies. To find counseling services or access support, you can visit Into the Light Indonesia, where you'll find information about hotlines, counseling options, and other mental health resources."