eLearning Mental Health and Its Impact on the Future Among Awardee - Episode 3

Summary

This episode covers when to seek professional mental-health support and how to offer basic support to someone who may be struggling. The speakers stress that mental-health difficulties should not be diagnosed alone, and that Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an initial form of support—not a substitute for professional care.

When to seek professional help

Consider contacting a professional if difficulties persist or interfere with daily life, such as:

• Trouble focusing or completing tasks that are usually manageable.
• Low energy or difficulty keeping up with routines such as eating and sleeping.
• Strong or hard-to-manage emotions, including anxiety, sadness, irritability, or hopelessness.
• Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy or withdrawing socially.
• Stress-related physical symptoms, persistent sleep problems, or changes in eating.
• Thoughts of self-harm, feeling worthless or desperate, or wanting to end your life. The speakers say these call for professional help.

Don’t self-diagnose based on online searches. A professional can help assess what kind of support is appropriate.

Ways to find support

• Seek help through a university’s psychological-support unit, a local clinic, or a psychologist or psychiatrist.
• If language or cultural differences make it difficult to talk with a local provider, consider an online professional in Indonesia.
• LPDP awardees can contact LPDP through a support ticket or via relevant university or LPDP contacts. LPDP may assess needs and help connect awardees with suitable support; the episode says its counseling assistance for awardees is free.
• The speakers recommend arranging health coverage before or during a move for study: transfer BPJS registration to the study location in Indonesia, or register for university health insurance abroad.

Mental Health First Aid: the ALGEE approach

MHFA is intended to provide early support, help someone feel safer, and encourage appropriate care. The episode presents these steps:

• Approach, assess, and assist: Approach with empathy, notice what is happening, and consider the person’s safety. Help only if you feel ready and able.
• Listen without judgment: Give the person your full attention; don’t rush to offer solutions.
• Give reassurance and information: Let them know they are not alone and that support is available. Offer practical options, such as accompanying them to a clinic.
• Encourage professional help: Suggest professional support when appropriate, but don’t force the person to accept it.
• Encourage self-help and support strategies: Suggest manageable, positive activities and connection with trusted people or a supportive community.

The speakers emphasize that helpers should not feel guilty if they are not equipped to help. If you’re unsure, refer the person to someone more suitable, such as a trusted listener, peer-support contact, or mental-health professional.

Active-listening tips

• Give your full attention; put away your phone and reduce distractions.
• Use open body language, eye contact, nodding, and responsive facial expressions.
• Ask open-ended questions, such as, “Can you tell me more about what you meant?”
• Reflect the person’s feelings to show you understand.
• Avoid judgment and avoid jumping straight to advice or solutions.

Presenters and source

Cassandra (also called Sandra in the subtitles) is the host, and Kak Rizka (also rendered as Rizga) is the guest resource person.