Psychological first aid skills are essential in various crises, such as environmental changes, relationship problems, or traumatic experiences. To support the mental health of students, the Faculty of Economics and Business at Universitas Gadjah Mada (FEB UGM) organized a Psychological First Aid (PFA) training on Friday (28/02/2025) in room U-103.
A psychologist from the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU), Anisa Yuliandri, S.Psi., M.Psi., conducted the training. During the session, Anisa emphasized that anyone can do PFA regardless of professional background.
“PFA involves a series of actions that provide emotional support, and anyone can do them,” she said. “The goal is to give attention to individuals in crisis, help them manage stress, and prevent social isolation.”
Anisa explained that everyone experiences psychological distress differently, depending on traumatic experiences, environmental changes, relationship problems, and concerns about the future. Psychological distress can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including thoughts, behaviors, emotions, and physical conditions. Therefore, psychological assistance is essential to prevent these conditions from worsening, according to the psychological assistance pyramid.
“Family, relatives, colleagues, and friends initially provide PFA as an early support system,” she explained. “Support can escalate to doctors or religious figures and then to trained volunteers if needed. At a more advanced level, mental health professionals such as psychologists and psychiatrists come into play. If the condition becomes more complex, professionals may refer individuals to a psychiatric hospital for intensive care.”
Anisa highlighted three key steps in implementing Psychological First Aid (PFA): Look, Listen, and Link. The first step, Look, involves observing the environment and individuals in crisis. This is critical to identifying those who need help and recognizing behavioral changes that indicate the need for emotional support.
Next is Listen, which involves actively listening without forcing a response. This phase uses three human senses – eyes, ears, and heart – to give full attention, hear concerns, and understand emotions without judgment. The final step is Link, which helps individuals address their concerns and connects them with the support they need, such as mental health or social services.
“Through these three main steps, PFA can effectively support individuals in overcoming mental health crises and ensure they receive the right support when needed,” Anisa concluded.
Through this training and the services available, FEB UGM is committed to supporting students’ mental health and helping them better cope with life’s challenges. The training aims to raise awareness and equip students with the skills to provide emotional support to anyone in need.
FEB UGM offers psychological services through the Career and Student Development Unit (CSDU) to create a healthy and inclusive campus environment. In addition, the UGM academic community has access to various psychological services at UGM, such as the Psychological Consultation Unit (UKP) at the UGM Faculty of Psychology, the Mental Health Emergency Response Line (MHERL), the Gadjah Mada Medical Center (GMC), and the UGM Academic Hospital (RSA).
Report by: Elena Situmorang
Editor: Shofi Hawa Anjani
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