Breaking MURI Records, UNESA's Faculty of Psychology Strengthens the Mental Wellbeing of the Community through Butterfly Hug Therapy
Unesa.ac.id, SURABAYA-A total of 600 students from batches 2023 and 2024 of the Faculty of Psychology, Surabaya State University (FPsi UNESA) simultaneously underwent Butterfly Hug therapy at the Faculty of Psychology Building, UNESA Campus 2 Lidah Wetan, Surabaya on Saturday, October 26, 2024.
The mass therapy titled 'Education of Self Butterfly Hug Therapy by the Most Students' was recorded in the Indonesian World Record Museum (MURI). Students, leaders, and civitas who underwent this therapy seemed to shed tears.
Dean of FPsi UNESA, Diana Rahmasari, said that the batterfly hug therapy activity is part of the institution's commitment and attention to the mental health of the community, especially students.
The UNESA lecturer and psychologist emphasized that mental health problems are a big challenge for today's young generation and must be a common concern, because the rate of stress and depression has increased in the last three years.
Citing data from the National Criminal Information Center (Pusiknas), the FPsi dean continued, the number of 'ending life' cases in Indonesia increased from 618 cases in 2020 to 1,350 cases in 2023.
By mid-August 2024, the number had even reached 8,049 cases, which means that an average of three people 'end their lives' every day. Life pressures and rapid social changes contribute to the high stress among students.
“Students are not only faced with academic demands, but also family problems, personal relationships, and various other stressors that have the potential to threaten their mental health,” she explained.
Mental Wellbeing Education
Diana emphasized that maintaining mental well-being is not just about overcoming problems, but includes efforts to maintain emotional balance and find happiness within oneself, so on this basis butterfly hugs therapy is needed.
“We hope that through this activity, awareness of the importance of mental health can spread to family, friends, and the community, so that we can build a mentally healthy generation to achieve Indonesia's golden age in 2045,” she said.
UNESA's Vice Rector for Academic, Student Affairs and Alumni, Madlazim, emphasized the importance of mental health as part of the wellbeing and achievement of the academic community.
“So far, we often prioritize physical health, while mental health is often neglected. Let's start to realize that mental health is very important to ensure the quality of life and academics,” said the Professor of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences (FMIPA).
MURI Senior Customer Relations Manager, Andre Purwandono conveyed the importance of awareness of mental health and doing simple therapies such as the Butterfly Hug as a form of concern for mental health.
Andre revealed that when he tried this therapy, he felt the energy and strength that seemed to help relieve the burden of thoughts and stress that are often unconscious, but have a positive impact on mental health.
“All of us in this world do not live alone. We have friends, relatives and family who care. Keep sharing what you feel, don't suppress your feelings, because that means we don't love ourselves,” said Andre.
Some students who participated in this activity also expressed their feelings shortly after doing the Butterfly Hug therapy. One of them is Wisnu Putra Airlangga, an S-1 Psychology student class of 2023. For him, this therapy helped him appreciate himself more and understand his limits.
“I was sad because I was too hard to pursue life targets without considering my abilities. The affirmation activity really helped me to respect myself more, and learn to accept my weaknesses as well as my potential,” said Wisnu.
In addition, the MURI record-breaking event coincided with the inauguration of the Faculty of Psychology Landmark and Quality Center of Life, which is a mental health consultation center, as a concrete step in improving the mental health or well-being of the UNESA community.[*]
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Reporter: Saputra (FBS), and Zakariya Putra Soekarno (Fisipol)
Editor: @zam*
Photo: UNESA HUMAS Team
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