Friday (15/7) Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) Faculty of Psychology UGM held an Online Lecture (KulOn) with the topic “Toxic Relationships in the Family”. “Today, we will discuss a theme that may be considered as one of the core problems of all the themes that we may have discussed. Starting from what has to do with teenagers or children. Then with the problem of mental disorders itself. Then we discussed the academic setting, namely school and it turned out that after being investigated, we never left the discussion or discussion about family,” explained Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., a psychologist who became one of the ancient speakers this time. Besides Nurul, there was also Wirdatul Anisa, M.Psi., a psychologist who was the speaker.

“I and Nurul will share this topic later, then what can we do to prevent or maybe we are in that condition, what can we do to improve it,” said Wirdatul. This kulon event started at 13.00 WIB and was attended by participants from various regions in Indonesia, such as Bandung, Medan, and other cities.

“So, the prevention that we will show through the slides is only a small part of what we have discussed together in CPMH forums. For this time, we are only mapping about toxic relationships. Not to focus on weaknesses because that is one of the things that we will address later, but this is done so that we are more aware”, explained Nurul at the beginning of the presentation of the material.

Another thing that was discussed in Kulon this time was a quote from Nikki DeFrain, “everything that happens to you, happens to me”. The quote explains that whatever happens to one family member will also affect other family members. If there is one member who has a problem or is in trouble, it will not only be the person concerned, but the entire family,” continued Nurul.

The family is a moving group and a system whose members are interconnected. Families that are “rigid” are very likely to be fragile or inflexible in the face of changing environments. “Regarding flexibility and rigidity, it turns out that they also have a big role in family functioning. When the family has clear rules, but then in practice the family can be flexible in adjusting the rules or in adjusting existing roles, then the family will have a greater tolerance for stress or crisis,” explained Wirdatul.

Wirdatul also conveyed two important points in the family that can be seen as points whether the family is balanced or not or functional or dysfunctional. Two things in question are cohesiveness and flexibility. “Cohesiveness is related to attachment. So, how much each member in the family is bound to each other. It can be a nuclear family member or a family member who lives under the same roof. If flexibility is related, the rules, roles, responsibilities, positions, and positions of each. Flexibility is divided into two, namely rigid and chaotic (free and at will),” continued Wirdatul .

There are various things that are characteristic of dysfunctional families, such as people in the family tend to focus on negative things, are too critical and aggressive in communicating, avoid verbal conflicts, cannot handle crises effectively, role confusion occurs, and so on.

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Thursday (7/7), the Center of Life-Span Development (CLSD) together with the Faculty of Psychology UGM held an “Adolescent Webinars Against Violence: The Role of Families and Schools”. The event was divided into 2 sessions with different subthemes. In the first session, the sub-theme presented was “Knowing Adolescent Emotional Behavior” which was delivered by Dr. Arum Febriani, S.Psi., M.A and Sutarimah Ampuni, S.Psi., MPsych., Psychologist. Meanwhile, for the second session’s sub-themes, Drs. Sentot Haryanto, M.Sc., Psychologist and T. Novi Poespita Candra, S.Psi., M.Si., Ph.D., Psychologist with the subtheme “Building Anti-Violence Attitudes in Families and Schools”.

At the beginning of the event, Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., MSc., Ph.D. gave a speech, “This afternoon’s webinar is an important webinar with topics that are also important and relevant for youth and anti-violence”. Youth and anti-violence are things that need to be developed to solve cases of violence among teenagers. “Adolescent violence is certainly worrying because it has a long impact (from the violence) in terms of the next stages of development that must be passed,” said Rahmat.

In the first session, the presentation of material was started by Sutarimah, “This webinar was held against the background of violent attacks that are still happening”. Violence is not limited to teenagers, but violence can be overcome from a young age.

Meanwhile, Arum continued by deliver the material by focusing more on klithih discussions in Yogyakarta. “Especially, I will share about a phenomenon that seems to never end in Jogja”. At first, klithih had a neutral term that tended to be positive which meant “looking for activities”, but now it is interpreted as something negative.

In the second session, Novi was present as the giver of the first material, “We can actually prevent violence at the school level”. According to Novi, cases of violence are not limited to cases of physical violence, but there is also passive-aggressive violence, such as isolating one or two children because of the formation of certain groups in social circles.

Furthermore, Sentot as the second speaker at the second session as well as the last speaker at this webinar, “We cannot claim that cases of violence occur only because of one cause. Violent cases are complex. Haryanto explained that cases of violence can be achieved with several tasks, such as equalizing everyone’s perception that violence is a critical and complex issue, taking a comprehensive and systematic approach with firmness, and providing a platform for innovation, creativity, and synergy.

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The Psychology Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University visited the Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM) on Friday (1/7). Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., M.Sc., Ph.D., Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, UGM, received the visit in the Kamen Room, Building A, 2nd Floor, Faculty of Psychology, UGM. The activity lasted from 15.30 WIB to 17.00 WIB and was attended by 9 participants from Udayana University’s Faculty of Medicine.

The Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, UGM, began the visit with a welcome speech. He expressed his gratitude and introduced the Heads of Study Programs from the Faculty who were present at the event.

Dr. Ni Made Swasti Wulanyani, S.Psi. M. Erg., Psikolog, continued the activity with remarks. She explained the purpose of this activity, which was to implement the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka (MBKM) and to develop the Psychology Undergraduate Study Program at Udayana University.

“Our goal here is definitely to learn lot of things. We have a plan. Our dream is to form a Master’s Study Program at Udayana University. Now we want to learn what it’s like with current conditions,” she explained. The reception of the visit proceeded and concluded with the exchange of mementos from both parties.

All participants were invited to continue the discussion according to their respective fields, including Management of the Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka with the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs, Galang Lufityanto, S.Psi., M.Psi., Ph.D.; Management of the Psychology Masters Study Program with Dr. Arum Febriani, M.A., the Head of the Psychology Masters Study Program; and Management of the Master of Professional Psychology Program with Dr. Yuli Fajar Susetyo, S.Psi., M.Sc., the Head of the Master of Professional Psychology Study Program; The performance of the Udayana University Psychology academic community, who are continuing their studies at the UGM Faculty of Psychology, together with the Head of Doctoral Program, Edilburga Wulan Saptandari, S.Psi., M.Psi., Ph.D.; Management of Psychological Services together with Novita Dewi Anjarsari, S.Psi., M.Psi., Psikolog.

Author: Erna

Translator: Erna

Photo: Erna

The Online Lecture (KulOn) organized by the Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) of the Faculty of Psychology UGM was held on Thursday (30/6). The topic discussed at this online lecture event was “Self-Regulation: Between Me and the Pandemic”. The discussion on the topic was accompanied by Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist and Wirdatul Anisa, M.Psi., Psychologist. Besides being done online with the Zoom meeting application and broadcast through the CPMH YouTube channel, KulOn this time for the first time was also broadcast using the Instagram Live feature.

“When it comes to transitions in any case, the first thing that comes up is uncertainty. This usually causes individuals to experience confusion,” explained Nurul. In addition to confusion, the condition of uncertainty can also bring up the sides of anxiety. “Anxiety that arises during a pandemic like this is different because this (pandemic) is long and fluctuating. Plus, there is no certainty about how long the pandemic will end,” continued Wirdatul.

“In the early days of the pandemic, we felt that this (pandemic) would soon pass. Trying to adjust and do that together,” said Nurul. However, when what a person thinks different with reality, then it brings up other phases, such as a feeling of hopelessness that ultimately changes the challenge. Initially challenged because of the enthusiasm that the pandemic will end, but ultimately challenged because of overcoming negative thoughts.

Thus, the topic of self-regulation is discussed in KulOn this time because it relates to the preparation of individuals in adapting, especially facing changes that have and will occur after the pandemic ends. “This topic may not be as heavy when discussed as when talking about mental disorders and so on. However, it turns out that this (self-regulation) is such an important issue,” explained Wirdatul.

According to Nurul, it is undeniable that the pandemic can undermine self-regulation efforts that had been carried out before the pandemic occurred. One simple example is a family that has implemented certain rules and provides understanding to children which in the end makes a child have self-control regarding himself, emotions, thoughts, and even behaviour. “Suddenly a pandemic occurred, causing the family to be confined in the house and not allowed to go anywhere. Access to the outside world only from a screen that may have been strictly regulated in the home. Inevitably it becomes free and allowed, “explained Nurul.

Such a change for young children is not an easy thing, “something that they were previously formed, whether they (children) consciously or unconsciously formed. How can we expect our children whose prefrontal cortex is not yet developed to have to analyse the suddenly change. The change itself is confusing”, said Nurul.

At the end of the event, Nurul also left a message that the importance of increasing awareness about mental health soft skills together, one of which is self-regulation soft skills. As much as possible regulations be introduced as early to children.

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Friday (17/6) the Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) in collaboration with the Faculty of Psychology UGM held an Online Lecture (KulOn) with the topic “A to Z of Mental Health”. The resource persons of the event were Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist and Wirdatul Anisa, M.Psi., Psychologist.

The online lecture event which was attended by various groups, such as students, psychology students, psychiatrists, teachers, and even housewives, was held at 13.00 WIB. The event this time was also broadcast live through the CPMH UGM YouTube Channel, besides being accessible through the online meeting application. “Different from the previous KulOn event concept, today we just want QnA. So, it’s in the form of a talk show,” said Nurul at the beginning of the event.

Previously, KulOn always prepared slide presentation containing material, for now the concept being carried out is to answer incoming questions from participants before the event started. The incoming questions will be selected and answered one by one by the resource persons. Incoming questions are collected through the registration link and the QnA feature available on the Instagram application.

Starting with the most basic questions that come in, namely why should you understand mental health and what is the difference between mental health and mentally healthy. “Mentally healthy is the same as mental health. It’s just a matter of terms, but what is meant is the same,” explained Wirdatul. Furthermore, understanding mental health becomes necessary because mental health is the same as physical health. That is, mental health is an important thing because there is no such thing as health, without mental health.

“So, people with mental disorders does not mean that they are not mentally healthy. Because whether a person’s mental condition is healthy is not seen from the presence or absence of mental disorders, “explained Wirdatul. Connected by Nurul who said that when talking about mental health, he was talking about a continuum. “Sometimes we are in the green (healthy) area, sometimes we are in the middle or slightly red (sick)”.

This time KulOn closed with a question asked about how to create a mentally healthy ecosystem in the educational environment. “When we talk about ecosystems, we talk about systems. It means, when we talk about the system, we will discuss the important lines that are needed,” explained Nurul. According to Nurul, one of the things that can be done to create a healthy ecosystem for the mental is to increase mental health literacy. This can be done through organized seminars or distributed pamphlets.

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The Faculty of Psychology UGM in collaboration with the Center for Public Mental Health (CPMH) held an Online Lecture with the topic “General Mental Disorders: Mood Disorders” on Friday (27/5). The topic was delivered by Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist and Wirdatul Anisa, M.Psi., Psychologist. “Especially today, we will discuss mood disorders,” said Nurul at the beginning of the event.

Starting with a general description, Nurul explained that general mental disorders are disorders that have a high prevalence in the population. “In general, we have understood that when it comes to mental disorder are disorders that last from months to years. Then one day if there will be unbearable pressure, it can relapse”, explained Nurul

However, Nurul also said that relapse should not be used as a scourge. This is because psychological disorders are basically the same as physical disorders. “When the disturbance or pressure from outside is getting heavier, it will be affected. This also occurs in physical disorders, “explained Nurul.

Thus, psychological disorders experienced by a person can occur within a period of months or even years. Then the condition can improve and function normally like individuals in general. But, if someday the pressure got heavier, soit will be relapsed. “We should see that as a necessity in life,” said Nurul.

According to Nurul, when an individual is diagnosed with a general mental disorder which basically has a high prevalence, he feels that what is happening is not the only one experiencing it. There is a feeling of not being alone that arises. “So, the feeling of being in the same boat and sharing the same fate also helps, so the word “general” has a positive impact. Be an encouragement to be better and recover, “said Nurul.

In addition to discussing the general description of common mental disorders, this event also explained about mood disorders based on etiology. “Next we will discuss is the origin. It is about what causes a person to experience a general mental disorder,” explained Wirdatul. Some of the causes include genetic factors, chemical disorders in the brain that occur, disturbances related to the main stress hormone (cortisol), social factors, and personality factors.

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The Faculty of Psychology, Universitas Gadjah Mada held the Release of Period III Graduates of the Academic Year 2021/2022 on Wednesday (25/05). Participated by 62 undergraduate students and 4 students from the International Undergraduate Program, this period’s graduation ceremony was held by implementing strict health protocols.

In this graduation period, Belinda from the Undergraduate Program appeared as a graduate with the highest-Grade Point Average of 3.99 and at the same time earned a cum laude predicate. Meanwhile, Lintang Pambayun Hindriasari achieved the fastest study period, which was 3 years 5 months 22 days. Then for the International Undergraduate Program, the highest-Grade Point Average was achieved by Ratri Yanfa Salsabila with 3.9 and earned a cum laude predicate. Then, Nabila Hilna’s fastest study period from the International Undergraduate Program was 3 years 6 months 1 day.

Appearing as a representative of graduates in this period was Lovena Nadira Setiawan who conveyed the impression when she was a new student. “The feeling of happiness, emotion, and pride was mixed with anxiety because at that time we were welcomed to open a new chapter in the world of lectures”, recalls Lovena. In addition, Lovena also expressed her gratitude and deep family to her parents, family children, and the UGM Faculty of Psychology who accompanied her during her studies.

In this graduation period, the Faculty of Psychology gives awards to students who excel in academic activities and student activities. In academic achievement, there were 52 graduates who won cum laude predicate. Meanwhile, there are 22 students who excel in student activities, namely Rico Arika Rifendy, Erwin Dian Saputra, Nadine Salsabila Sjuhada, David Andrean Santosa, Imam Zhafir Alam, Dandi Dwi Prasetyo, Almira Rahma Safira, Belinda, Ratri Arista, Ratri Yanfa Salsabila, Afina Hanifansha Putri, Antonius Aji Prakoso, Lovena Nadira Setiawan, Muhammad Faiq Al-Bassam, Nuhida Kinansa Husainy, Sinta Kartika Widyowati, Zafira Amani, Aliffa Milanisty, Bonefasius Ananda Jehandut, Hastinia Apriasari, Maria Hertanti Tri Melani, and Sekarayu Tunggadewi.

In addition to the awarding session, the graduation period this time was filled with remarks from various parties. First, a speech was given by representatives of the parents of Jinggan Anggun Permani, Kasno Riyanto. “Universities have a very important role in preparing the nation’s next generation. Alhamdulillah, the Faculty of Psychology UGM was able to prove its existence by creating a conducive academic atmosphere,” said Kasno.

Then, the speech was continued by the Head of the Gadja Mada Psychology Alumni Family (KAPSIGAMA), Prabaswara Dewi, S.Psi., Psychologist. “Today is a milestone for the younger siblings to move up to the next level,” said Prabaswara. Furthermore, Prabaswara also reminded that whatever profession the graduate will be, he hopes to continue to help and support in the field of mental health. Finally, remarks were also given by the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, Rahmat Hidayat, S.Psi., MSc., Ph.D. “Today we don’t just let go but are held with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. That way, hopefully we can open a wider network as well as the path of fortune and success,” said Rahmat. In closing, the graduation ceremony for this period was closed by reading a prayer by Prasetyo Wibowo.

Friday (20/5) the Faculty of Psychology UGM with the Centre for Public Mental Health (CPMH) held an online lecture that raised the topic “PFA in School Settings and the Flow of Referrals”. Unlike previous online lectures, this time the topic of online lectures was only delivered by Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist. “This is the umpteenth time (PFA) theme that we are trying to share. Now, this time we will be specific in the discussion in the school setting,” said Nurul at the beginning of the event.

Psychological First Aid (PFA) or can be referred to as Psychological First Aid (PPP) is the most basic psychological help. Usually, this assistance is given to individuals who are experiencing a traumatic event. “Psychological first aid is very important for us to apply, to be able to apply it, let’s study together, understand it further and in more detail so that we can apply it properly, “explained Nurul.

So, what does the PFA have to do with schools? This was answered by Nurul’s explanation who said that most of those who had mood disorders were school age. “There’s no need to wait until it gets worse, because as long as we can prevent it as early as possible, why not?”.

When the school is successful in carrying out PFA, the school can build resilience and increase the protective factor for students. In terms of performance, both academically and socially students will also increase. Therefore, a school environment is needed that is safe, fun, mutually supportive, and provides self-awareness about the importance of mental health.

“We always emphasize in every PFA material that is distributed, that PFA can be done by anyone. Across ages, across jobs, across skills, across structures, anyone,” said Nurul. So, from gardeners to school cafeteria moms, PFA can be as simple as giving a genuine smile as a connection to PFA.

“With or without training in mental health, teachers, school principals, TU employees can perform this psychological first aid”. However, there are important things that need to be known in the practice of PPP in schools. These things include, practical and not forced, carried out with the aim of knowing the conditions and needs of students, helping students to get basic needs, listening without asking to tell stories, and helping students connect with needed help.

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The Masters Program of the Faculty of Psychology UGM held the event “Fun Talking Virtual Open House 2022: Getting to Know Mapro and Mapsi more closely” on Wednesday (11/5). The event was started by remarks from the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology UGM, namely Rahmat Hidayat, M.Sc., Ph.D. “With this virtual open house, we can open the widest possible participation,” said Rahmat.

Furthermore, Rahmat briefly explained the history of the UGM Faculty of Psychology, which is one of the oldest faculties in Indonesia. It was pioneered by its founder which started in 1957, namely the central government of the ministry of higher education. One of the things that was done when establishing the Faculty of Psychology UGM was to bring in qualified lecturers, namely the Doctor of Experimental Psychology from Oxford University who was assigned to pioneer the establishment of the psychology investigation section which later changed to the Faculty of Psychology UGM on January 8, 1965.

Then, the Psychology Masters Program was established on September 1, 1980. Meanwhile, in 1995, UGM Psychology organized Psychologist Professional Education. “To colleagues who registered and passed the selection, thank you, congratulations on being accepted. Meanwhile, those who have not had the opportunity to be accepted in the current academic year, I would like to convey that they are still enthusiastic because the path of knowledge can be reached from any door”, said Rahmat.

This time the event was divided into 3 sessions with the first session filled with differences between the Master of Psychology Profession Program and the Master of Psychology Program, what specializations exist, information about registration, and data on prospective student applicants accompanied by each Head of Study Program. Then the second session was accompanied by the Field Coordinator by discussing the lecture process including the differences between one specialization and another and the description of the courses in each specialization.

Finally, in the third session, alumni and active students conveyed their impressions during college, job opportunities, and the skills needed. Unlike the previous session, in session three the participants who took part in the event could choose to join the breakout zoom room that had been created based on the study program. This is done so that participants have a complete picture and information about the study program to be followed

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Wednesday (27/4) the Center for Public Mental Health, Faculty of Psychology, UGM held an online lecture, or it could also be called “KulOn”. The event which started at 13:00 WIB was filled with Nurul Kusuma Hidayati, M.Psi., Psychologist and Wirdatul Anisa, M.Psi., Psychologist. The topic that was presented this time was “Mental Health of Children and Adolescents” by online. “The more we are here, the more open we are to the many cases of depression experienced by high school students and below,” said Nurul.

This is also supported by UNICEF’s statement, that teenagers in Indonesia have no interest in activities and are depressed. According to Nurul, symptoms of depression if not treated immediately will become a mental disorder. The findings also reveal that the COVID-19 pandemic makes children more likely to experience depression twice the risk. “Why child? Because children don’t have the ability to adapt well,” explained Nurul.

Kid and adolescents who experience psychological stress caused by things, such as not having a close emotional relationship with their family, becoming victims of marital conflict, experiencing separation, or losing their home, experiencing violence, bullying, and so on. If the psychological pressure experienced by children and adolescents is not treated immediately, it is possible to experience mental disorders. Some of the common mental disorders in children and adolescents include ADHD, autism, behavioral disorders, specific learning disorders, eating disorders, PTSD, mood disorders, addictions, and psychosis.

“The thing that adults around children and adolescents missing is how they (adults) accompany children and adolescents to learn from their problems,” said Wirdatul. sometimes adults just let the children and adolescents grow and develop from the problems they face, but adults forget that children and adolescents still need assistance in dealing with their problems.

Health problems and mental disorders can be overcome, by approaching and talking about how they feel, and something disturb them without judgment. “When there is a significant change in behavior in children and adolescents, so people around them need to ask questions because the behavior shown is the way children and adolescents communicate with the people around them,” explained Wirdatul.

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