The Faculty of Public Health (FPH) Universitas Indonesia (UI) again held a seminar on Mental Health on Saturday, November 26, 2022. The seminar entitled “Could Mental Health Be the Next Pandemic” was held online via Zoom Meetings and was attended by more than 500 people participating.
Until now, concern for mental health continues to increase. It drives FPH UI to continue promoting mental health through academic forums and practical solutions. In his remarks, the Dean of FPH UI, Prof. dr. Mondastri Korib Sudaryo, M.S., D.Sc., said that FPH would continue to support and organize academic activities to improve public health status.
The keynote speech was delivered by the Director of Mental Health of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Indonesia (RI), drg. R. Vensya Sitohang, M. Epid. Through his presentation, drg. Vensya conveyed how the government has tried to deal with mental health, one of which is through the issuance of Minister of Health Regulation (Permenkes) Number 29 of 2022 concerning Guidelines for Mental Health Examination for Certain Jobs or Positions. Drg. Vensya and his staff know that the work environment has a lot of mental health risks, but this still needs to be given more attention. “Prevention of health impacts due to psychosocial exposure can be done by minimizing work stressors, optimizing individual prevention and management efforts, and creating a good working environment,” said drg. Vensya.
The National Professional Officer delivered the second material for Addiction Mental Health and Disability Inclusion, World Health Organization (WHO), dr. Ashra Vina Daswin. In his presentation, dr. Ashra said that around 12 billion workdays were lost due to depression and anxiety. The economic cost of mental health problems in America has increased to $1 billion. Therefore, WHO has two strategic actions: improving policies, advocacy, and fulfillment of Human Rights (HAM) related to Mental Health; and improving interventions and services at all levels (community, general health, and special health).
Also present was Indah Sundari J., M.Psi., Psychologist., a psychologist who is quite well-known on social media. Indah introduced matters related to mental health to the participants who attended. Indah also provides tips to maintain mental health, such as being adaptive, managing the workplace, making the most available time, pursuing hobbies, and staying connected with loved ones. At the end of her presentation, Indah said, “We don’t always have to be happy, but most importantly, don’t forget to be happy.”
The seminar, specifically held by the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Masters Study Program, is a form of practicing higher education tri dharma by FPH UI. In the future, FPH UI will continue to hold various activities supporting Indonesia’s increasing degree of public health. (BK)
