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Taking Care Of New Students' Mental Health

Mental health is super important for everyone, especially for new students stepping into a whole new educational journey. Good mental health can really impact how well students perform academically, their overall quality of life, and their social connections. The college years, typically around ages 18-22, are often seen as a time for self-discovery, filled with pressures and outside influences that can affect their mental well-being. That’s why it’s crucial for students to understand the importance of maintaining their mental health to succeed in their studies.

Recently, Indonesia's Deputy Minister of Health, Prof. Dr. Dante Saksono Harbuwono, gave a talk on mental health for new students during the New Student Campus Life Introduction event at Universitas Indonesia in Depok, West Java, on Tuesday (August 6, 2024). The theme for this year’s event was “Resilient, Healthy, and Intelligent UI Students.” This program is designed to help new students transition from high school to university life.

The shift in educational environment makes this introduction program vital for newcomers, helping them adapt quickly to the academic culture and higher education system. During his talk, Prof. Dante discussed the W Curve, which illustrates the ups and downs of a new student’s mental state, along with how it relates to satisfaction and time management. “Generally, new students go through the W Curve, starting from Honeymoon Phase (beginning of classes) – Culture Shock (lots of assignments, homesickness) – Initial Adjustment (managing time and friendships) – Mental Isolation (going home and noticing changes) – Acceptance and Integration (feeling like they’ve found a new home),” Dante explained.

Referring to Darwin's theory, Prof. Dante Saksono emphasized that quick adaptability is crucial for students. It's not the strongest or smartest who survive, but those who can adjust the fastest. According to Prof. Dr. Abdul Haris, the Director General of Higher Education, Research, and Technology at Kemendikbudristek, a major challenge for students in Indonesia is the high unemployment rate among graduates. About 11.8% of graduates, which is around 945,413 individuals, including 191,681 diploma holders and 753,732 degree holders, are educated but unemployed. "The future holds vast and competitive challenges, requiring a high level of competitiveness, especially with the rise of automation and artificial intelligence. This will change many of our daily habits," said Prof. Abdul Haris. With automation, things that were once unimaginable are now commonplace and necessary in society. Therefore, new students must be adaptable to survive. The rapid dynamics of higher education and the need for adaptation contribute to mental health issues among students. In his general lecture, Prof. Dante advised students to prioritize tasks, manage their time well, and engage in hobbies. To cope with stress, he suggested several methods to activate the parasympathetic "rest and digest" system, such as: recognizing stress by identifying its causes, observing thoughts, and feeling bodily sensations; practicing relaxation techniques like breathing exercises, progressive muscle relaxation, and the 5-4-3-2-1 method; engaging in physical activities like walking, running, or yoga; and co-regulating by sharing with friends or family and consulting mental health professionals. "Your health is your most valuable asset for stress management. Ensure you get enough quality sleep, exercise regularly, eat nutritious food, and avoid excessive sugar, salt, and fats," Prof. Dante concluded his lecture.

Tag: Dante Saksono Harbuwono Kemendikbudristek Mental Health