According to Jero Gede Sudibyo, an economist and public policy observer, the rate of mental illness in Bali is twice as high as the national average. Drawing on data from Indonesia’s Ministry of Health (Basic Health Research 2015–2018), he stated that 34 out of every 1,000 Balinese people suffer from mental disorders, compared to the national average of 17 per 1,000.

Let us take this information not as something to pin the blame on, but as a deep invitation to reflect.

It is also worth noting that suicide rates in Bali are higher than the national average. This is quite striking, considering Bali is often praised as the “Island of a Thousand Temples,” a land of religious devotion, cultural pride, and a society that upholds values like Tri Hita Karana—harmony with God, others, and nature. So why is it that a portion of Balinese society appears to be mentally fragile?

Undeniably, the boom in Bali’s tourism industry has brought economic benefits. Yet, the negative consequences—particularly for mental and spiritual well-being—are also real. The advancement of information and transportation technology in this global era has made the flow of people and goods into Bali uncontrollable. Along with this came a surge in materialistic and consumerist culture, which has deeply influenced society, including in Bali.

Life has become a competition, and not everyone can win. With increased pressure in employment, limited business opportunities, and rising social and cultural burdens, it is no surprise that stress levels continue to rise. Other contributing factors include poverty, cultural obligations, and the high expectations imposed by tradition.

Of course, every individual will interpret these conditions differently. Here, I humbly offer a spiritual perspective rooted in the Vedic teachings, particularly the Srimad Bhagavad-gita.

Dharma, Bhakti, and the Path to Inner Peace

The essence of the Bhagavad-gita is to understand Krishna, the true self, and the purpose of life. The path toward this understanding is called bhakti—loving devotion to God. In Chapter 9, Verse 26, Krishna says that even the simplest offering, when given with devotion and purity of heart, is accepted by Him.

Bg. 9.26

पत्रं पुष्पं फलं तोयं यो मे भक्त्य‍ा प्रयच्छति ।तदहं भक्त्य‍ुपहृतमश्न‍ामि प्रयतात्मन: ॥ २६ ॥

patraṁ puṣpaṁ phalaṁ toyaṁyo me bhaktyā prayacchatitad ahaṁ bhakty-upahṛtamaśnāmi prayatātmanaḥ

Translation:

If one offers Me with love and devotion a leaf, a flower, a fruit or water, I will accept it.

Furthermore, the scriptures explain that the highest form of sacrifice (yajna) in this Kali-yuga is the chanting of the Holy Names of the Lord—whether through group kirtan or personal japa. This is echoed in Chapter 10, Verse 25 of the Gita.

Bg. 10.25

महर्षीणां भृगुरहं गिरामस्म्येकमक्षरम् ।यज्ञानां जपयज्ञोऽस्मि स्थावराणां हिमालय: ॥ २५

॥

maharṣīṇāṁ bhṛgur ahaṁgirām asmy ekam akṣaramyajñānāṁ japa-yajño ’smisthāvarāṇāṁ himālayaḥ

Translation:

Of the great sages I am Bhṛgu; of vibrations I am the transcendental oṁ. Of sacrifices I am the chanting of the holy names [japa], and of immovable things I am the Himālayas.

Self-discipline and simplicity in lifestyle, known as tapasya, also play a vital role. To be content with what one has, to eat only food that has been offered to the Lord (prasadam), and to involve God in every aspect of life—these are all forms of tapasya.

Fasting on Ekadasi, regularly chanting the Holy Names of the Lord—even 24 hours a day—is a powerful practice to anchor the mind and purify the heart. A person who walks this path of simplicity and devotion will experience inner peace, contentment, and joy in family life, because they live with God at the center. When God is involved in every action, stress naturally decreases.

This is my personal reflection: that by embracing a simple and devotional life, we can consciously choose to protect ourselves from anxiety and mental illness, as highlighted by the data we have seen.

Contributor: I Wayan Wisanta