BRSPDM "Margo Laras" Holds Social Education for High School and Junior High School Students

PATI (November 1, 2019) - In the context of implementing Progress 5.0 where the Balai is a Center of Excellence in social rehabilitation services, it is necessary to disseminate information regarding the targets and types of services provided. For this reason, on 28 October-1 November 2019 the Social Rehabilitation Center for People with Mental Disabilities (BRSPDM) "Margo Laras" held a Social Education activity by inviting 250 high school and junior high school students from 25 schools in the Pati district.

Every day five schools were invited, for each school consisting of ten students and one accompanying teacher. With the theme "Youth with a Healthy Mental Awareness", it is hoped that students can get to know about adolescent mental disorders, how to prevent and treat them as well as get to know BRSPDM "Margo Laras", so that in the future they can participate in the handling of Persons with Mental Disabilities.

The activity was opened by the Head of BRSPDM "Margo Laras" Jiwaningsih. In his remarks Jiwaningsih stated that school students could become an extension of BRSPDM "Margo Laras" to disseminate information about People with Mental Disabilities.

The event started with ice breaking so that the participants got to know each other. At first the participants still looked shy, but because the officers continued to provoke them, the atmosphere became cheerful and they looked very excited.

Followed by a presentation by the Psychologist Center, Dhania Yusana Putri about the introduction of mental disorders in adolescents. The participants were divided into five groups and discussed the problems they have faced, their impacts and their solutions. As a result of the group discussion, it turned out that most of the problems faced were being late for school, lots of homework, leaking tires, tickets, confiscated cellphones and running out of quota.

Millennial adolescent problems are closely related to gadget problems. In her presentation, Dhania introduced the types of mental disorders commonly suffered by teenagers. Dhania also suggests seeking help from adults such as parents, counseling teachers if they start to feel signs of stress so that they don't prolong, which can lead to depression.

The second presentation by Social Workers, about Friendship and Its Effect on Physical and Mental Health. Social Workers teach to be good friends and be able to choose good friends, avoiding being the perpetrator or victim of bullying. Because it turns out that a good friend can make us healthy in mind and body. Such as research conducted by Life Matters Consultancy which states that good friendships can lower blood pressure and can prevent us from depression and anxiety.

The third presentation was by the Social Instructor, Diah Fajarini. Diah conveyed and explained about the program for Beneficiaries and invited participants not to be afraid and be able to appreciate Persons with Mental Disabilities. He encouraged participants to take part in handling Persons with Mental Disabilities, both in the Balai and in the community.

"If you can't help, don't make it worse for People with Mental Disabilities," he warned.

Participants seemed enthusiastic by asking questions such as why Persons with Mental Disabilities cannot recover completely, the difference with being possessed, how to deal with bad friends, and so on. The event ended with a tour of the hall, to see the facilities and activities carried out at the Hall. It is hoped that this event can be a start for teenagers in particular and society in general to become aware and care for Persons with Mental Disabilities.