¶¶ŇőĘÓƵ

According to Dra. Isriana, who is fondly known as Bu Ira, the main factors affecting ITB students' mental health are high academic pressure, external expectations, and a lack of emotional support. Unfortunately, awareness among ITB students regarding the importance of mental health still varies. Although there has been some improvement, stigma and limited understanding around mental health issues—particularly bipolar disorder—still persist.

Bipolar disorder is characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic phases (hyperactivity, impulsivity, and excessive euphoria) to depressive phases (deep sadness, loss of interest, and fatigue). At ITB, the Counseling and Guidance Service (BK) often supports students experiencing this condition, but there are significant challenges in the assistance process. One major obstacle is the tendency among students to self-diagnose based on information found on social media. This can lead to misunderstandings about bipolar disorder and, in some cases, may even worsen the students' condition.

Bu Ira also emphasized the importance of distinguishing between regular academic stress and symptoms of bipolar disorder. “If someone experiences extreme mood swings that interfere with daily life and become difficult to control, that’s when it’s time to seek professional help,” she said during a Zoom interview on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.

ITB also provides various services to support students’ mental health. Some of these include:

• Peer Companion (Pendamping Sebaya): Students can share their feelings and seek support from trained peer companions certified by ITB’s Counseling and Guidance Service (BK ITB). This service can be accessed via the following link: linktr.ee/pendampingsebaya25.

• Counseling with Faculty Counselors: Several faculties have lecturers who are trained to provide guidance related to mental health.

•Counseling Services: Students can access professional mental health support through the website https://kemahasiswaan.itb.ac.id/bk/ for further assistance.

For students with bipolar disorder, although there is no specific program yet, the approach taken is individualized and based on each student’s specific needs. Additionally, the ITB Counseling Service (BK ITB) collaborates with several hospitals, such as the Rumah Sakit Jiwa Provinsi Jawa Barat located at Kolonel Masturi KM 7, West Bandung; Klinik Utama Grha Atma on Jalan Riau No.11, Bandung; and Rumah Sakit Umum Daerah Arjawinangun (RSUD Arjawinangun) on By Pass Palimanan Jakarta KM.2 No.1, Kebonturi, Cirebon.

One of the biggest challenges in addressing mental health is the stigma attached to bipolar disorder. Bu Ira emphasized that education must be delivered carefully to avoid creating a trend of self-diagnosis. Therefore, ITB focuses more on general mental health campaigns, with the core message that seeking professional help is the best course of action.

In addition, the campus environment can play a key role in fostering a more inclusive atmosphere. Students can support friends with bipolar disorder by showing empathy, inviting them to participate in activities, and refraining from giving them negative labels.

BK ITB encourages all students to be more mindful of their own mental health and that of those around them. If you have a friend with bipolar disorder, the best way to help is by listening without judgment, offering emotional support, and encouraging them to seek professional help if needed.

Bu Ira also hopes that ITB will continue to strengthen its attention and policies regarding student mental health. “Mental health is just as important as physical health. Let’s work together to create a more caring and supportive environment,” she said. World Bipolar Day is a timely moment to reflect on the importance of supporting mental health within academic communities. With broader education and stronger support systems, students with bipolar disorder at ITB can get the help they need to lead a more balanced and healthy academic life.

Reporter: Syabina Er Said (Teknik Dirgantara, 2020)
Translator: Indira Akmalia Hendri