To support the mental health of visually impaired teenagers, a group of students from Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta (UNY) organized a "Mental Health Bootcamp" at the Yayasan Kesehatan Tunanetra Islam (Yaketunis) Hall in Yogyakarta. The event, held recently, saw the participation of approximately 25 visually impaired teenagers. The primary objective was to equip these young individuals with a comprehensive understanding of mental health and the skills necessary to achieve psychological well-being.
The initiative, spearheaded by Annis Na’immatun and Dzikrina Nur Faizah—both pursuing their Master's in Special Education at UNY—and Danang Pradana, an alumnus of Sociology Education at UNY, operates under the team name "MyMental." This project is part of a social initiative supported and funded by the Pertamina Foundation through the PF Muda Program. PF Muda serves as a platform for young Indonesians to showcase innovative social projects addressing various societal issues in their communities.
Psychologist Siska Hamelia Putri, M.Psi, one of the resource persons for the training, emphasized the importance of early recognition and understanding of mental health and psychological well-being. She stated, "We need to strive to know ourselves better and understand our mental health conditions to achieve optimal psychological well-being." The sessions included interactive discussions and activities designed to help participants identify and manage their emotions effectively.
The collaboration between UNY students and the Pertamina Foundation underscores a shared commitment to fostering inclusive education and mental health awareness. By focusing on the unique challenges faced by visually impaired adolescents, the program aims to create a supportive environment that promotes their overall well-being and integration into society.
