UMS Team Promotes Mental Health for Academic Success in Kartasura

The Community Service Team from Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta (UMS), led by Dr. Arif Widodo, Head of the Nursing Program at the Faculty of Health Sciences, highlighted the high levels of academic pressure faced by many adolescents. According to him, academic anxiety and social pressures pose significant challenges, hindering students' motivation and mental well-being.

As a responsive measure, the UMS PKM team designed a training program to help teenagers manage mental pressure and boost their learning motivation.

“From our survey results, most teenagers often feel pressured to meet high academic standards set by schools or families,” said Arif on Friday (1/11/2024).

The UMS community service team collaborated with the Directorate of Research, Technology, and Community Service (DRTPM) under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology (Kemendikbudristek) to hold the program at SMK Muhammadiyah Kartasura.

Specifically, the UMS community service program aims to help teenagers develop learning motivation through various approaches, including mental health screening, mental consultations, mental health promotion, anxiety management training, and the establishment of mental health ambassadors in schools.

“We hope this activity can create a sustainable mental health management system within the school environment, allowing students to learn and interact comfortably,” he explained.

To support students in managing stress, the UMS community service team conducted stress management training involving relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises. These activities help students balance learning activities with rest time, encouraging them to effectively restore their mental well-being.

In addition to the training, the team provided education on the importance of mental health through interactive sessions at school, encouraging teenagers to be more open about expressing their feelings. Peer support groups were also formed, along with mental health ambassadors who serve as a platform for students to share and offer emotional support.

“This approach motivates students and helps them feel supported in facing academic challenges," Arif added.

He further explained that families and schools also play a vital role in supporting teenagers' mental well-being. For this reason, the UMS PKM team communicates with both school and family representatives to ensure the support provided is consistent and sustainable.

This support has positively impacted the students' motivation to learn at the vocational school. Additionally, with funding assistance from DRTPM, the UMS PKM team has installed CCTV cameras in 16 locations around the school to monitor student activities and maintain school security

With a conducive environment and collaboration between schools, families, and educators, it is hoped that teenagers can approach their studies with greater optimism and face fewer risks of despair in the future.

Writer: Fika

Editor: Genis

Translator: Rizal

Source: News UMS