MAKASSAR – Hasanuddin University is promoting greater mental health awareness through education, psychological services, and an inclusive approach for the academic community, including persons with disabilities. The effort is realized through Mental Health Day 2026, which invites the campus community to build a culture of listening to one another, caring, and not judging.
Carrying the theme “Real Voices, Real Change,” the event is part of the UNHAS PRIME program (Physical-Psychological Resilience, Intervention, and Medical Ecosystem). The program positions physical and psychological health as part of efforts to strengthen the resilience and well-being of the academic community.
The Director of Welfare and Performance of Unhas, Dr. Nur Arifah, SKM., M.A., explained that the event was designed as a series of educational, creative, active, and inclusive activities. The program aims to help the academic community understand their emotional condition, improve mental health literacy, and learn about the psychological support available.
“Mental health is an important part of developing human resources and talent in higher education. For that reason, every individual needs a safe space to share emotional experiences, be heard, and receive support without stigma or judgment,” Dr. Nur Arifah explained.
Building such a safe space requires an environment that encourages openness and care. Through collaboration between psychology and disability services, Unhas seeks to broaden understanding of mental health while fostering a campus environment that responds to the needs of every individual.
The event was officially opened by the Vice Rector for Human Resources, Talent Development, and Welfare of Unhas, Prof. Dr. Farida Patittingi, S.H., M.Hum. In the remarks, Prof. Farida stressed that psychological well-being needs attention alongside academic achievement and work productivity.
“A healthy campus environment is determined not only by academic achievement and work productivity, but also by the presence of empathy, a sense of safety, care, and support for the psychological well-being of every individual, including persons with disabilities,” explained Prof. Farida.
Prof. Farida hopes Mental Health Day 2026 can serve as a moment to strengthen the shared commitment to building a healthy, inclusive, and supportive Unhas environment. Care for mental health is expected to grow as part of campus culture, not merely be expressed through commemorative events.
The collaboration of the Directorate of Welfare and Performance, through its Division of Human Resources, Talent Development, and Welfare, together with the Unhas Psychological Services Center and Disability Services Center, is part of the program’s implementation. This synergy supports an approach that combines education, recognition of emotional conditions, and care for the needs of the academic community.
The series of activities featured a talk show and awareness-sharing sessions to broaden understanding of mental health. Participants could also join the Art Therapy Corner, a space for creative expression through art, and use the Screening Corner for an initial check of their emotional condition.
In addition, counseling services were provided as a space for consultation and psychological support. The event also included a fun walk and a mental health campaign for the public through Walk for Mental Health, as an effort to spread the message of care for mental health beyond the campus.
This effort to raise awareness of and care for mental health is in line with SDG 3 on Good Health and Well-Being, which emphasizes the importance of health and well-being for all. Mental Health Day 2026 took place in the courtyard of the IPTEKS Building, Unhas Tamalanrea Campus, Makassar, on Saturday (10 October). (*/mir)
Editor : Ishaq Rahman
This article is an English translation of the original Indonesian report.