In commemoration of Mental Health Day, the Faculty of Public Health (FPH) at the Universitas Indonesia (UI) organized two meaningful activities on October 27, 2024. With the spirit of togetherness, PARADE, which stands for “Care, Nurture, and Support Emotions,” and the Relax Corner were held to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining mental health. These events respond to the growing public attention on mental health issues in recent years. They emerged as a recognition that well-being is not only determined by physical conditions but also by mental health.
Dr. drg. Masyitoh, M.A.R.S., Head of the Master’s Program in Hospital Administration at FPH UI, played a key role in supporting both activities. “This event aims not only to raise awareness and concern for mental health but also to encourage the creation of a culture where discussing mental health issues is done openly, without fear or shame,” said Dr. Masyitoh.
The students of the FPH UI Extension Program, enrolled in the Learning Organization and Systems Thinking course (OPBS C), initiated the mental health campaign with a creative and interactive approach. Held at the Car Free Day (CFD) area from Bundaran HI to FX Sudirman, Central Jakarta, PARADE featured a healthy walk accompanied by speeches focused on mental health. Along the route, participants carried posters with positive messages about mental health and actively voiced their messages through speeches. PARADE, as a public intervention, brought mental health issues closer to the broader community in a light but meaningful format. The PARADE team also made efforts to engage CFD visitors at FX Sudirman, encouraging them to better understand the importance of maintaining emotional and mental health amidst their busy daily routines.
In addition to the interactive spirit of PARADE, FPH UI also presented the “Relax Corner” at the South-West Cross of Monas, Central Jakarta. With the theme “Relax for Better Mental Health,” this activity was designed by a group of students from the Master’s Program at FPH UI in the Strategic Leadership and Systems Thinking (Kepstrat) course, Class B. The Relax Corner was created to provide a space for reflection and relaxation for the public, emphasizing that mental health is not only a determinant of psychological well-being but also a preventive factor for physical conditions such as stroke. Coinciding with World Stroke Day, Relax Corner conveyed the message that mental and physical health are interconnected. Maintaining mental health is important not only to avoid emotional disturbances but also to help prevent serious physical conditions like stroke.
At the Relax Corner, visitors were invited to take a break from their routines and enjoy facilities specially designed to calm the mind. Through interactive games, soothing aromatherapy, and instrumental music, participants were expected to experience the simple benefits of relaxation as part of mental health maintenance. The booth also served as a platform for the public to participate in a Mental Health Test, which helps them identify their emotional health status. Visitors could recognize factors that might affect their emotional balance and better understand the importance of preventing more serious psychological issues. Additionally, the Grateful Wall at the booth became a symbol of self-appreciation, where people could write positive affirmations or supportive messages for themselves or others.
Through PARADE and Relax Corner, FPH UI demonstrates its commitment to creating an inclusive, supportive, and caring environment for emotional well-being. These activities reflect the community’s solidarity towards mental health and are an important step in achieving a balanced and sustainable quality of life. Thus, this event is not just a symbolic celebration but a concrete movement that emphasizes the crucial investment of mental health care for long-term well-being. (DFD)