Family, Academic, and Romantic Issues Trigger Mental Health Disorders

March 26, 2025

Campuses Provide Counselling Services

SURABAYA – Higher education institutions are increasingly concerned about mental health. As a form of mental health management, campuses are offering counselling services. Among students, family, academic, and romantic factors can trigger mental health disorders.

Mary Philia Elisabeth, Head of the Master of Science in Psychology Study Program and Academic Advisor at the University of Surabaya (Ubaya), said that the mental health issues addressed are triggered by several factors. These include family, academic, and romantic relationships. “Findings such as self-harm also occur,” she said yesterday (March 25).

According to Mary, mental health problems are particularly vulnerable among Generation Z, or Gen Z. This is why young people engage in more extreme behaviour. “We offer consultations and even provide home visits for those deemed necessary,” she explained. Surabaya State University (Unesa) also offers mental health services. These programs take various forms, such as the Sub-Directorate of Mitigation Crisis Centre (SMCC), for example. Furthermore, the Faculty of Psychology at Unesa (Unesa University) offers open counselling services.

Dean of the Faculty of Psychology, Diana Rahmasari, revealed that her institution coordinates with the SMCC to handle mental health cases. In its implementation, she involves psychologists from Dr Soetomo Regional Hospital. This is for patients who require medication. “They are then referred to Dr Soetomo,” she explained. (omy/aph)

20 Students Receive Mental Health Counselling a Month

Mental health services at several campuses in West Surabaya are running optimally. Students are taking advantage of the program. Around 10-20 students participate in counselling each month.

Stefany Livia Prajogo, Head of the Student Welfare Section at Ciputra University (UC), said that the counselling provided not only addresses mental health issues but also career issues. At least 10-20 students participate in the program each month. “The number of students receiving career counselling and mental health counselling is almost equal,” she said.

According to Stefany, the triggers for mental health problems are mostly external, such as family, romantic, and academic issues. “Most of them need friends to share their problems,” she explained.

Unesa also offers peer counselling services. Students are involved in the counselling. This method is effective in resolving issues.