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.