TRADITIONAL RELIGIOUS STIGMA ON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES

“They could’ve been alive by now if they had just kept praying”, said one of the comments
I’ve read under a local youth suicide news post on Instagram. This idea is one example of a
traditional stigma that believes relying solely on religious aspects can help & and heal mental
issues without consulting a psychologist. Such an idea might lead to a worsening state of
mental health, and more social issues.

In this time, the awareness of the importance of mental health has been significantly
increased. However, I have noticed that within the local society, there is often a reluctance to
discuss mental health issues. This happens due to various reasons, including cultural norms,
stigma, and lack of understanding. This phenomenon has intrigued me to pursue broader
knowledge regarding traditional perspectives on mental health.

Since I am interested in psychology, particularly in Clinical Psychology, I have joined

communities that resonate with my values. For instance, I h a v e had experience in the
Public Relations Division in Scouting and The Student Council, both of which are
communities that are composed of people with diverse socio-religious, environmental, and
economic backgrounds. I have learned a lot of new skills and met various people who have
different experiences. However, to learn more about traditional perspectives on mental
health, I still need to enhance my knowledge on cultural and health psychology. Therefore, I
was am sparked to learn further about psychology to provide more help and break such
stigma in our society.

My decision to pursue the Bachelor’s program in Psychology at the University of Indonesia

was influenced by a meticulous evaluation of its unique curriculum and the distinctive
opportunities the university offers. The program's comprehensive syllabus, particularly the
course on social Psychology, aligns perfectly with my aspiration to specialize in this field.
This course's theoretical depth is unmatched, offering insights into a deeper knowledge of
psychophysiology, a crucial knowledge gap in my current understanding of social
psychology. Furthermore, the University of Indonesia's state-of-the-art Cognition, Affect, and
Well-Being Lab, under the guidance of Dr. Bagus Takwin, M.Hum., an acclaimed expert in
psychological well-being, provides an unparalleled opportunity for hands-on research
experience. This aligns perfectly with my learning style which thrives on practical application
of theoretical knowledge. I’m also interested in learning at the University of Indonesia
considering that the university has offered me a chance to study abroad at the University of
Queensland with this program.

During my studies, I was elected as the President of the mosque youth council for two
consecutive semesters. There were some challenges I had to face, such as designing a newly
formed organization and managing teams. I ’ve have also participated in the student
council as a head of department and a secretary in scouting. Still, in retrospect, it has given
me a valuable experience to be more adaptable and understand different ways of how people
work. I ’ve also had the opportunity to participate in the Al Azhar National Science
Olympiad. In my third semester, I was chosen to compete among 1079 candidates in
geography and achieved the bronze medal.
With the experiences and achievements mentioned above, I am confident that I could
contribute to the University of Indonesia in psychological research and achievement projects.
I believe that this program will expand my understanding of psychology and realizing realize
my desire to change and overcome the deeply rooted traditional stigma about mental health in
the future.