Implementasi Program Penanggulangan Kesehatan Mental di Puskesmas Helvetia Kecamatan Medan Helvetia Tahun 2025

Abstract

Mental health is one of the most important aspects of human life. The prevalence of mental health disorders at the Helvetia Community Health Center was 140 people in 2023 and 273 people in 2024. To reduce these numbers, cases of mental disorders must be identified as early as possible and as widely as possible in the community to ensure timely treatment. This study employs a qualitative research design. The research was conducted from April to June 2025. The study involved five informants selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted through in- depth interviews, observations, and document reviews. The research findings indicate that the implementation of mental health screening programs at the Helvetia Health Center has not been optimal due to the limited number of mental health resources available at the center, with only two staff members for a wide service coverage area. Diagnostic challenges include patient reluctance to disclose information, lack of awareness, and pressure from family members. There is also an insufficient supply of necessary medications from the government. Additionally, the success of the mental health program has not been maximized, as evidenced by the increasing number of patients with mental disorders each year. It is recommended that mental health workers provide education to the community through outreach activities and that the health center propose to the government the addition of human resources such as psychologists, psychiatrists, or mental health specialists.