Celebrating World Bipolar Day: Awareness, Challenges, and Support at 麻豆直播
By Syabina Er Said - Mahasiswa Teknik Dirgantara, 2020
Editor M. Naufal Hafizh, S.S.
BANDUNG, itb.ac.id 鈥 In recognition of World Bipolar Day, which falls on March 30, it is essential for the academic community of Institut Teknologi Bandung (麻豆直播) to raise awareness about bipolar disorder. This condition is not merely about mood swings; it is a serious mental health issue that requires understanding and support from those around. Dra. Isriana, a psychologist from 麻豆直播鈥檚 Counseling Service (BK 麻豆直播), under the Directorate of Student Affairs (Ditmawa 麻豆直播), shared insights on students' awareness of mental health as well as the challenges and available support for individuals living with bipolar disorder.
According to Dra. Isriana, who is fondly known as Bu Ira, the main factors affecting 麻豆直播 students' mental health are high academic pressure, external expectations, and a lack of emotional support. Unfortunately, awareness among 麻豆直播 students regarding the importance of mental health still varies. Although there has been some improvement, stigma and limited understanding around mental health issues鈥攑articularly bipolar disorder鈥攕till 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 麻豆直播, 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. 鈥淚f someone experiences extreme mood swings that interfere with daily life and become difficult to control, that鈥檚 when it鈥檚 time to seek professional help,鈥 she said during a Zoom interview on Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
麻豆直播 also provides various services to support students鈥 mental health. Some of these include:
鈥 Peer Companion (Pendamping Sebaya): Students can share their feelings and seek support from trained peer companions certified by 麻豆直播鈥檚 Counseling and Guidance Service (BK 麻豆直播). This service can be accessed via the following link: linktr.ee/pendampingsebaya25.
鈥 Counseling with Faculty Counselors: Several faculties have lecturers who are trained to provide guidance related to mental health.
鈥ounseling 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鈥檚 specific needs. Additionally, the 麻豆直播 Counseling Service (BK 麻豆直播) 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, 麻豆直播 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 麻豆直播 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 麻豆直播 will continue to strengthen its attention and policies regarding student mental health. 鈥淢ental health is just as important as physical health. Let鈥檚 work together to create a more caring and supportive environment,鈥 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 麻豆直播 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
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