Wednesday morning, September 17, 2025, the atmosphere at Building B11 of the Faculty of Languages and Arts (FBS) at Universitas Negeri Semarang (UNNES) felt markedly different from usual. The seminar room, typically quiet, was suddenly filled with dozens of enthusiastic faces. Students, lecturers, and education staff (tendik) within FBS sat attentively, absorbing every word delivered by the speaker at a mental health seminar titled “Nurturing the Soul, Reaching for Hope: Strategies for Managing Stress in the Modern Era.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This activity, organized by the English student association, served as tangible proof that mental health issues are no longer considered a taboo topic within academic circles. On the contrary, the seminar became a safe space for the entire academic community to learn, share, and collectively create a campus culture that is more attentive to psychological well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The event, which ran from 08:00 AM to 12:00 PM, featured a competent speaker in the field of psychology, Pundani Eki Pratiwi, S.Psi., M.Psi., a lecturer from the Faculty of Education and Psychology (FIPP) at UNNES. With her warm and interactive approach, she presented various materials on the importance of maintaining mental health amid increasingly heavy academic and work demands.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“Mental health is the foundation of everything. When our minds are healthy, we are able to think clearly, interact well, and perform at our best. Unfortunately, many still consider psychological issues as a source of shame. In fact, admitting that we need help is the bravest and wisest step one can take,” said Pundani Eki Pratiwi before the participants who appeared to be listening intently.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This seminar was designed with three interrelated objectives. First, to raise awareness among all members of the FBS academic community about the importance of mental health in daily life. Second, to reduce the negative stigma still attached to mental disorders and psychological consultation. And third, to provide practical education on how to manage stress effectively through relaxation techniques, time management, and strengthening social support.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The head of the organizing committee conveyed that this seminar was part of the organization’s commitment not only to focus on language skills development but also on the holistic well-being of its members and the academic community in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We are aware that students, lecturers, and education staff face considerable pressures. From academic workload and research targets to personal life challenges. We want to serve as a bridge connecting them with the right information and services,” explained the event coordinator.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Equally important, through this seminar, FBS UNNES demonstrated institutionally that the campus provides access and space for all staff and students to mental health support. This aligns with UNNES’s efforts to create an inclusive, healthy, and highly supportive campus environment\u2014a long-term investment no less important than physical infrastructure development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon closer examination, this mental health seminar is closely linked to the broader global development agenda, namely the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) proclaimed by the United Nations. At least three SDG pillars are directly addressed through this activity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
First, from an educational perspective, this seminar served as a non-formal learning platform that enriched the knowledge of students, lecturers, and education staff about crucial psychosocial issues. They not only gained technical knowledge about stress management but also learned about empathy, openness, and the courage to support one another. This aligns with the spirit of SDG 4, Quality Education, which encourages the creation of inclusive and relevant learning processes that address real-life needs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Second, efforts to reduce stigma and open access to psychological support represent a strategic step in creating sustainable cities and communities, as mandated by SDG 11. A mentally healthy campus environment will give rise to a productive, creative, and harmonious academic community. When every individual feels safe and supported, the overall quality of life improves. This seminar laid the foundation for creating an inclusive public space where everyone\u2014whether students, lecturers, or education staff\u2014has an equal right to attention regarding their well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Third, and equally important, this activity directly contributes to SDG 3, Good Health and Well-Being. Mental health is an inseparable component of overall health status. By providing education on stress management and directing individuals to available counseling services, UNNES plays a role in ensuring that all members of its academic community can live healthy and prosperous lives holistically. This is a form of institutional responsibility that goes beyond mere academic achievement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One participant from the lecturer community expressed gratitude for the event. “I feel recognized and supported. Sometimes, as lecturers, we also experience fatigue and stress. But there are rarely forums like this that specifically address our psychological well-being. Thank you to the organizers,” she said with sparkling eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The question-and-answer session was dynamic and marked by remarkable openness. Many participants courageously shared their personal experiences related to stress, anxiety, and even burnout they had encountered. The speaker responded with empathy and provided psychologically grounded, practical solutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
By the time the event concluded, a sense of emotion and optimism filled the room. With this seminar, it is hoped that awareness of mental health will continue to grow and become an inseparable part of the academic culture at UNNES. No more shame in seeking consultation, no more fear in speaking up. Because a healthy mind is the beginning of all achievement and happiness, and a solid foundation for the realization of genuine sustainable development, beginning with the well-being of the people who inhabit it.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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