Yogyakarta, 9 August 2020—Korps Mahasiswa Politik Pemerintahan/KOMAP FISIPOL UGM worked together with Career Development Center/CDC FISIPOL UGM in organizing a sharing session on mental health during the pandemic. Reni Apriliawati, M. Psi. as a psychologist for CDC delivered insights on “Analyzing Mental Health During the Pandemic”. The discussion aired on @komapugm’s Instagram live at 7 PM, moderated by Risa, a FISIPOL student.
We hardly realized that the pandemic did not only harm physical well-being, but also mental health. The prolonged quarantine stressed people out, as well as created space for anxiety and depression to develop, particularly with the burden of online classes/work. Hence, recognizing indications of mental illnesses and preventing them from expanding were necessary in such a situation.
Reni reckoned that being mentally healthy equals to enjoying state of welfare. Welfare, in itself, can be recognized through certain indications: first, when we’re able to point out and accept our potentials, allowing them to optimally develop; second, when we’re able to deal with daily obstacles, such as school assignments and organization activities; third, when we’re able to work timely and productively, not leaving tasks abandoned; lastly, when we’re connected with others and are able to actively contribute to society.
If one of the prerequisites are not fulfilled, we need to pay extra attention to ourselves. One important note was given: our mental health might fluctuate. Sometimes, we can be at the deepest bottom of the sea; other times, we’re at a mountain-top high. “What we need to recognize the changes is extra care. When adequately observed, we might start to notice the difference and start question why,” Reni added.
Several traits might be useful to point out potentials of mental illness. We need to be careful when experiencing: (1) prolonged sadness or other negative emotions; (2) changes in habits/behavior, including disruption on productivity and loss of interest in things that usually attract us; (3) changes in eating pattern, either in the form of overeating or loss of appetite, indicating lack of health awareness; (4) difficulty to sleep due to overthinking. Said signs are only the tip of the iceberg. If left uncared for, the signs will develop into psychosomatic illnesses including stomach ulcers, headaches, and low back pains. Even worse, we might start thinking suicidal thoughts. If that happens, one should seek professional help.
Uncertain conditions as a result of the pandemic appeared as another factor that might prey on one’s mental health slowly. We need to admit that the current situation is not fine. To stay at our top condition, we need to acknowledge and accept our feelings, even those of anxiety and sadness. Negative feelings aren’t always bad. They might, even, turn into strengths as they allow us to act more carefully and build anticipation. On the other hand, refusing to feel negative emotions will frustrate us further and force us to forget enjoying simple things in unpleasant situations. “Reality is something we can’t control. As hard as we try to manipulate unwanted scenarios and keep them away, we can’t change reality,” Reni wrapped up.