In response to recent cases of mental health issues among students, on Friday October 13, 2023, the Faculty of Biology UGM organized a training session for Buddy Counselors. Buddy Counselors are fellow students who serve as peer counselors for their peers in need of mental health support, officially inaugurated by the Dean of the Faculty of Biology at UGM on June 1, 2023.
The training, attended by 19 students, was conducted in-person in Lecture Room 3 of the Faculty of Biology UGM. It began with a shared lunch to foster a sense of camaraderie. The session was led by Psychologist Yudhistira Adi Perdana, M.Psi., from the Faculty of Biology UGM. The training covered the theme of mental health and the role of peer counselors, and it was received with enthusiasm by all participants. In his presentation, he conveyed that mental health is a state of well-being, where an individual is aware of their abilities, can cope with life’s pressures, engage in productive activities, and contribute to the community. “This doesn’t mean never experiencing illness, negative feelings, being free from problems, or pressure,” he added. Furthermore, Mr. Yudhis explained that the role of Buddy Counselors is to be a confidant who can provide motivation, additional information, and advice (if needed) to friends experiencing difficulties. At the end of the session, participants received practical counseling training. Each participant took on the role of a student facing mental health issues, while others played the role of counselors. To be an ideal counselor, one needs the ability to actively listen, control emotions, be open to new experiences without judgment, show empathy, identify problems, and provide advice (if necessary), communicate effectively, be honest and assertive, and maintain confidentiality.
The training was also attended by the Mental Health Team of the Faculty of Biology, consisting of faculty counselors: Dwi Umi Siswanti, S.Si., M.Sc. (Coordinator of Faculty Counselors), Dr. Dwi Sendi Priyono, S.Si., M.Si. (Faculty Counselor), and Dr.rer.nat. Abdul Rahman Siregar, M.Biotech., as well as the HPU Coordinator of the Faculty of Biology at UGM, Titin Fauziah, S.E., M.B.A. The training and information-sharing sessions on mental health for Buddy Counselors at the Faculty of Biology UGM will be held regularly, with the hope of further strengthening the team’s efforts to create a mentally healthy and prosperous campus environment, in support of the SDGs for Good Health and Well-being. “Because Every Action We Take Matters”.