Febri's Story: A UI Graduate Overcoming Mental Health Challenges

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, DEPOK — Febri Susanto P, a 2021 graduate of Social Welfare Studies at the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia, shared his experience as a survivor of mental health issues after completing his four-year studies. He is currently in the process of finding a job while reorganising his life.

He expressed gratitude for being able to complete his education despite facing various academic and non-academic pressures during his studies. “Alhamdulillah, I managed to graduate,” said Febri during a seminar held by Republika together with the Student Counselling Agency of the Faculty of Social and Political Sciences, University of Indonesia, in Depok, Thursday (26/2/2026).

During his studies, Febri actively participated in various organisations, from the Student Executive Board to the faculty association. These activities ran in parallel with the demanding academic workload and social pressures in the campus environment.

As a student from out of town, Febri also faced adaptation challenges, especially during his first year when lectures were held online due to the pandemic. Face-to-face activities only began in the third semester, limiting opportunities to build relationships in person.

Febri said that academic pressure did not only come from individual assignments but also from group assignments that required intensive coordination. “This is a personal experience, but when we are students, we are actually more stressed by group assignments than individual assignments,” he said.

The pressure increased in the final semester when he had to complete his thesis while also being involved in organisational activities and family issues. During this phase, Febri began to experience unhealthy changes in his lifestyle.

He admitted to often staying up late and even not sleeping at all, while his daily activities continued. During one period, he only slept for about an hour to carry out activities for an entire day.

This condition was worsened by the emergence of nightmares when he tried to sleep longer. This situation lasted for two to three weeks and began to disrupt his daily functions and concentration. “It was only then that I realised when I looked at my own patterns. I only slept for an hour to be active for 24 hours. When I tried to sleep longer, I actually had nightmares,” said Febri.

Realising that his condition was not normal, Febri then sought professional help through mental health services. He registered at the Makara UI Clinic, but the waiting time made him worried that his condition could worsen.