UNDIP, Semarang (1/4) – Universitas Diponegoro (UNDIP), through the Technical Implementation Unit for Consultation Services, Disability, Discipline Enforcement, and Student Ethics (UPT LKDPDEM), organized a strategic event titled “Bipolar Awareness: From Stigma to Support.” Held to commemorate World Bipolar Day, the event took place on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at the ICT Hall, 5th Floor, Tembalang, starting at 1:00 PM. The activity aimed to strengthen the understanding of the academic community in optimizing services and support for students with bipolar disorder within the university environment.
In his remarks, the Director of Student Affairs and Alumni of UNDIP, Edy Surahmad, S.Pd., M.Si., emphasized that students’ academic success cannot be separated from their mental well-being. He highlighted the importance of active participation from all campus elements in creating safe spaces.
“It requires the involvement of all members of the academic community and education staff to provide services for students with bipolar disorder at Universitas Diponegoro, so that emotional challenges do not become barriers to achievement,” he stated.
The first session featured dr. Fanti Saktini, M.Si.Med., Sp.K.J., AHK, a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine UNDIP and counselor at Diponegoro National Hospital (RSND), who presented “Let’s Fight The Label: Unlocking and Walking Together Through The Stigma.” She explained that bipolar disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, ranging from manic to depressive episodes. She emphasized that proper diagnosis through clinical interviews, along with psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, is key to recovery.
“Stigma is a negative attitude that makes people hide their struggles; we must normalize therapy and open conversations to eliminate the fear of being judged,” she stressed.
The second session was delivered by Anis Luthfiyah Rumengan, S.Psi., M.Psi., a counselor at DP3AP2KB Yogyakarta, with the topic “You Are Seen: Living and Learning with Bipolar.” She provided practical insights into how clinical symptoms often affect students’ personal and academic functioning. She emphasized the importance of empathy and support systems that are sensitive to the specific challenges faced by bipolar survivors, such as energy management and maintaining consistency in learning.
“Listening without judgment and responding seriously to feelings is the most tangible form of support that can empower them,” she explained.
The event received strong enthusiasm, with attendance from vice deans, lecturers, education staff, and students from various faculties and schools at UNDIP. During the interactive discussion session, participants explored strategies to implement concrete support systems to reduce stigma among peers. The event also served as an educational platform to ensure that students with bipolar disorder do not feel isolated during difficult phases of their academic journey.
Through this Bipolar Awareness initiative, Universitas Diponegoro aims to become a pioneer in creating a mental health-friendly campus in Indonesia. Synergy among education staff, lecturers, and students is crucial to ensure that consultation services and discipline enforcement uphold the values of humanity and justice. This ongoing effort reflects UNDIP’s commitment to building an inclusive institution, aligned with its spirit of noble and valuable UNDIP. (Public Communication/UNDIP/Riri)
