Happy World Mental Health Day from UIII

The recent increase in student suicide cases highlights significant issues within the educational system. These cases may represent the tip of the iceberg of many intricate psychological challenges within the educational setting that have been overlooked and lack effective comprehensive solutions. To be frank, one of the vulnerable populations most likely to experience mental health problems is university students.

In 2023, over three-quarters of college students (76%) experienced moderate to serious psychological distress, with 36% of students diagnosed with anxiety, 31% meeting the criteria for suicidal ideation, and 13% having intentionally injured themselves within the year (American College Health Association, 2023). In Indonesia, it has been reported that mental disorders now often occur in the 18–25-year age group. This phenomenon is closely related to students, including college students, with about 64% of the younger generation experiencing anxiety problems, while 61.5% of them have symptoms of depression (Kemdikbud.go.id, 2023). 

Serious mental health issues can affect our relationships, career, and long-term goals, including our studies, such as struggling with academic demands, adjustment issues, and managing various responsibilities. Thus, it is crucial to create a positive, safe, and supportive environment where students do not solely focus on being the best of the best in academic matters, which might lead them to become super competitive and ambitious individuals, and further, narcissistic. On top of that, it is essential to foster students and remind them that each of them is unique with different potential. As a consequence, campuses must rethink their approach (American Psychological Association, 2022). Educational institutions need to provide counseling services on campus that are equipped with counselors and psychologists who are trained to support students in need. 

For students and those who have concerns, there are two things we can do at the very least to maintain mental health:  

1. First and foremost, you must be able to acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.  

We can’t control what’s coming to us, but we can control our response. As part of controlling our response, let’s accept our emotions, because all feelings (all emotions) are valid. Pain is a unique human experience. Don’t deny your feelings just because we don’t want to be called overly sensitive or ‘baper.’ We have the right to own it.   

You may then select from a variety of responses that best suit your reaction. You have the option to avoid, modify, adapt, or simply accept the situation. In other words, allow yourself some space. Once you achieve mental clarity, your emotions will become more stable, enabling you to manage the circumstances more effectively. 

2. Practice self-care, which means caring for yourself.  

It includes anything we do to keep ourselves healthy — physically, mentally, and spiritually. It can be giving yourself a break that doesn’t cost anything, such as taking a walk, getting enough sleep, praying, reflecting, listening to audiobooks, meeting up with friends and family, and having a good laugh. Talking to someone, including a professional, is also part of self-care. Among so many things you can do, remind yourself to always be kind. You can be in pain but still be kind to others. 

To conclude, everyone is struggling with their own mental health, including you and me. But we always have a choice to solve our problems. And we know, this too shall pass. Thus, keep embracing our values, be kind, and make space for ourselves. 

One day we will say ... 'It was hard, but we made it.'

________________

*) A/Prof. Charyna Ayu Rizkyanti, Ph.D, is a mental health advocate and lecturer at the Faculty of Education, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia (UIII)

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