Mental Health Awareness in MPLS at SMA Dwijendra: Undiknas Psychology Educates on Depression Prevention

Denpasar, July 16, 2024 – As part of the School Environment Introduction Program (MPLS) at SMA Dwijendra, the Psychology Department of Universitas Pendidikan Nasional (Undiknas), in collaboration with the Indonesian Association of Clinical Psychologists, conducted an awareness session on depression, its prevention, and treatment for the new students. This initiative aimed to raise awareness of the importance of maintaining mental health, particularly in preventing depression among teenagers.

The psychoeducation provided by Undiknas Psychology covered several key points, including:

• Understanding Depression – Students were given basic information about what depression is, its triggers, and how to recognize early symptoms.
• Depression Prevention – Through an understanding of the importance of emotional and mental balance, students were encouraged to prevent depression by maintaining a healthy lifestyle, fostering positive social relationships, and learning to manage stress.
• Depression Management – Students were also taught how to handle feelings of discomfort or early signs of depression, including simple relaxation exercises as first aid when they experience emotional discomfort.

Undiknas Psychology also engaged students in discussions about the importance of mental health and emphasized the individual’s role in recognizing and maintaining their mental well-being. The session concluded with a simple relaxation exercise that students could perform anytime as an initial step in managing uncomfortable emotions.

This activity not only aimed to provide information but also to help prevent depression, which often goes unnoticed among teenagers. Considering the academic and social pressures frequently faced by high school students, maintaining mental health is crucial for creating a balance between personal life and education.

This awareness session aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly the goal to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by one-third by 2030 through prevention, treatment, and the promotion of mental health and well-being.

Through this session, it is hoped that the students of SMA Dwijendra will become more aware of the importance of maintaining mental health from an early age and be better prepared to face the challenges they may encounter in the future.