Student mental health issue is a serious concern for Universitas Brawijaya (UB). UB Psychologist, Ulifa Rahma, S Psi., M.Psi said that the problems experienced by students vary widely. Starting from stress, anxiety, burnout, to depression.
“Most cases are rooted in past experiences that resurface when in a new environment, such as when traveling,” said Ulifa.
Ulifa emphasized the importance of having the courage to start talking and seeking help in order to solve problems, so that you can maximize your potential. It is also important to know yourself, including being aware of the feelings that arise without ignoring them.
“Mindfulness and self-awareness training are the first steps to become more connected to yourself and face stress more calmly. Students are encouraged to have healthy coping strategies, by doing positive activities,” she explained.
As support for mental health issues, UB provides free counseling services. The service, which has been established since 2017, is currently driven by the Counseling Center for the Prevention of Sexual Violence and Bullying, under the auspices of the Directorate of Student Affairs.
This service is open to various problems, ranging from academics, family, relationships, careers, interests and talents to cases of violence and bullying.
“Counseling services can be done face-to-face or online, either with psychologists, psychiatrists, legal consultants, or peer counselors,” explained Ulifa as the Head of UB Counseling Center for the Prevention of Sexual Violence and Bullying.
This service is recorded to have helped 600 to 800 students each year. The role of counseling services is important to help students have good adaptation skills and coping strategies.
“Many students feel afraid or embarrassed to come to counseling services. In fact, the first step to recovery is to dare to speak up and realize that seeking help is not a sign of weakness, but rather a form of strength,” she said.
Through this service, students are expected to not only be helped to solve their problems, but also be able to develop their potential and form positive behavior in everyday life. All information and service access are available on the official website https://konseling.ub.ac.id/.
In addition to counseling services, to support mental health, UB also routinely holds psychoeducation in the form of psychological first aid training, peer counselor training, and provision of Academic Advisor lecturers. [MEL/MIT/ UB PR/ Trans. Iir]
