increased depression in people in bali in 2021

An official from a non-profit organization called Lisa Helpline confirmed that more than 1,000 people in Bali suffered from depression in 2021.

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The director of Lisa Helpline Bali, Dr I Gusti Rai Wiguna confirmed that throughout 2021, 1,085 people called the Helpline and asked for help to overcome their depression.

"1,085 people called Lisa's hotline to receive psychological services for depression and other mental disorders in 2021," Dr Wiguna said on Saturday (3/26).

As an organization that provides free online psychological support to people in Bali, Dr Wiguna explained that the number of cases of depression on the island has increased dramatically since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020. It has also led to an increase in suicide cases. . .

“According to police data, in 2020 there were 64 cases of suicide and this number doubled to 125 cases in 2021,” Dr Wiguna added.

The helpline also received calls from seven foreign nationals who were in Bali during the Covid-19 pandemic, asking for help for their depression and bipolar disorder.

Wiguna urges everyone to be more open to others and never hesitate to ask for help when needed, especially when feeling suicidal. “I hope everyone can be open to listening to others and being more supportive and non-judgmental,” Dr Wiguna concluded.