Depression can affect anyone, regardless of socioeconomic status.
This is evident from the 2023 Indonesian Health Survey report, a collaborative research project between the Health Development Policy Agency (BKPK) of the Ministry of Health and the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS).
BKPK and BPS conducted a health survey on approximately 315,000 national household samples.
The survey on depression used the mini international neuropsychiatric interview (MINI) questionnaire, a brief interview method consisting of 10 yes/no questions.
Questions were asked by interviewers to individuals aged 15 and above. Respondents were categorized as experiencing depression if they answered "yes" to at least 2 out of 3 questions related to major symptoms, and "yes" to at least 2 out of 7 additional symptoms.
Using this method, in 2023, the prevalence of depression in Indonesia reached 1.4%. This means that nationally, about 1 in 100 people experience depression.
Further analysis reveals that prevalence varies across economic groups, but remains within the 1% range.
The lowest prevalence of depression was found in the highest economic group, and the highest in the lowest economic group, as shown in the graph.
Quoting information from the Ministry of Health's website, depression is a mood disorder that affects a person's thoughts, feelings, and behavior.
Someone experiencing depression may feel sad, anxious, lose interest in activities they usually enjoy, feel worthless, or have recurring negative thoughts about themselves, life, or death.
Depression can cause decreased energy, sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, and other physical problems.
Untreated depression can also lead to serious and dangerous complications, including an increased risk of suicide, anxiety disorders, physical disorders such as chronic pain, and problems in interpersonal relationships.