Teman Curhat: VDMI Online-Peer-Counseling Program

VDMI continues to support VDMI grantees and alumni’s mental well-being through the Teman Curhat session. On June 25th the counseling session discusses ‘anxiety and cabin fever’. The pandemic situation indeed makes people have to stay at home as many as possible. Some strategies to avoid cabin fever such as scheduling daily activities, having daily exercise, as well as getting enough sunlight were suggested to the participants. Furthermore, On July 2nd the counseling discussed ‘self-confidence’. During the session, the participants shared their experiences when feeling unconfident. Some misconceptions about self-confidence such as ‘people who are confident will never experience nervousness’ were clarified. The facilitator, Luluk Shoviana, highlighted that nervous is a normal response to stress. Thus, although people might feel nervous in the beginning, they should keep performing well and not labeling themselves as ‘unconfidence’, which can stop them from learning new things.

Self-regulation’ became the topic on July 9th. During the session, the participants discussed how to regulate their emotions, motivation, and time. Next, on July 16th, the participants shared their experience with the ‘quarterlife crisis’. Throughout the session, strategies on how to solve the crisis were discussed such as start to ‘know your self’. It means that people should know their strengths and weaknesses as well as what things are most important for them to solve the quarterlife crisis. At the end of each session, the participants expressed that they feel relieved and glad knowing that they are not alone in experiencing the problems. They realize that many people feel what they feel. Also, the participants’ sense of belonging to the VDMI family increases. Next week, the counseling session will discuss academic problems, career readiness, and master scholarship. For more info about the counseling session, please email lulukshoviana@vandeventermaas. or.id.