This article discusses topics related to mental health and coping mechanisms, including self-harm, which may be distressing to some readers. Please prioritize your wellbeing and engage with this material at your discretion. If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm and/or suicide, please seek help from a trusted professional or contact local support services.
If you need 24-hour emergency support service in Indonesia, you can reach out to the following services:
This content was developed in collaboration with , who contributed their expertise through peer review and specialized input to ensure comprehensive, accurate information.
Self-harming isn’t a mental health disorder on its own; it is a coping mechanism as well as a symptom of some disorders. This means there aren’t specific therapies for self-harming. To help stop self-harming, the underlying cause should first be identified.
A psychologist, therapist, or counselor can help you understand the reasons behind your self-harm and develop a treatment plan. If they suspect an underlying mental health disorder, they can refer you to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for further evaluation and diagnosis. Seeking professional support is an important first step in addressing self-harm.
There are several ways to access a licensed professional:
Pathway
Puskesmas
Private practice (psychologist, therapist, counsellor)
Background
According to the Indonesian Ministry of Health (Kemenkes), over 3000 puskesmas are now equipped with a mental health service. However, not all puskesmas have this facility.
There are private services that offer consultation with a psychologist, therapist or counsellor that are easily found online or in most hospitals. For your convenience, you can refer to Seribu Tujuan’s Find Help resources You can also ask friends and family to refer you to a professional of their choice.
Pros
Cheaper, and can even be free if you hold a certain type of BPJS card.
Can find someone who specializes in self-harm, or other issues you are also dealing with.
Allows several appointments to have enough time to discuss your problems.
Usually short waiting times for an appointment.
Cons
May have long waiting times for an appointment and diagnosis.
May not have enough time to discuss all your complaints in a single consultation.
Usually expensive.
How to access
The best place to start is to attend a puskesmas and ask if they have a mental health service – if not they will direct you to the nearest puskesmas that has one.
Make an appointment. You will be able to consult with a mental ealth professional as directed.
You will be diagnosed and/or prescribed medicine if needed.
Decide on a professional to consult with. You can ask friends and family for referrals, but a simple Google search will show you the closest service provider available.
Call them to make an appointment, and give a brief statement about your problem.
If a psychologist/therapist suggests you see a psychiatrist for medication, you have to make an additional appointment. You may either find one yourself or ask them for a referral.
Additional advice
Be prepared to tell everything about your struggles during the appointment: This will enable you to get the most out of your time and money. Writing a note beforehand to bring into the consultation can help you remember all the details you want to discuss. This is especially important for those choosing the puskesmas route, as appointments tend to have long waiting times and it isn’t guaranteed you can make another one in the near future. When appointment time is an issue, make sure to prioritize speaking about what you struggle with the most.
Prepare for possible backlash: As discussed previously, unfortunately, the stigma around self-harm can be held by medical professionals. Remember that you have the right to leave an appointment whenever you are uncomfortable.
Do prior research: Self-diagnosis is dangerous for many reasons, but doing research on your struggles prior to an appointment gives you the opportunity to talk about your research with a professional. You may bring up symptoms and diagnosis that matches yours, and the medical professional you are seeing is able to explain why you are or aren’t correct. This enables you to leave the appointment without any second thoughts on your appointment outcome.
If after pursuing these first steps you are referred for a diagnosis and receive one, check our other guidelines for specific treatments recommended for different mental disorders. Note that you do not have to have a diagnosis to access therapy or counselling, as it is helpful even for those who are healthy.
