Adolescent Mental Health Care Movement in Songan Village, Kintamani Collaboration Between Academics, Healthcare Professionals, Schools, and Parents for a More Resilient Generation

Adolescent Mental Health Care Movement in Songan Village, Kintamani

Collaboration Between Academics, Healthcare Professionals, Schools, and Parents for a More Resilient Generation


Efforts to strengthen the mental resilience of the younger generation continue to be intensified. The Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, through its Psychiatry Specialist Study Program, held a community service activity in the form of mental health counseling and screening for students and parents in Songan Village, Kintamani District, Bangli Regency on February 27, 2026.


This activity was the result of a collaboration between the Psychiatry Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bali Dwipa University, Kintamani 5 Community Health Center, Kintamani 4 Junior High School, and the Songan B Village Apparatus as a form of cross-institutional synergy to address the challenges of adolescent mental health in the digital era.


The community service team was led by Prof. Dr. Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana, dr., Sp.K.J., Subsp.K.(K), MARS, Coordinator of the Psychiatry Specialist Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Dr. Anak Ayu Sri Wahyuni, dr., Sp.K.J.(K), Psychiatrist and Lecturer in the Psychiatry Specialist Program at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, and a Clinical Psychologist at the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Bali Dwipa University, were also assisted by seven resident physicians from the Psychiatry Study Program, Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University.


Held at SMPN 4 Kintamani, the activity focused on improving adolescent mental health literacy. Students gained an understanding of adolescent mental health challenges, including academic pressure, bullying, friendship dynamics, and the impact of social media. They also learned about the importance of recognizing early signs of emotional distress and seeking professional help. As a preventative measure, screenings were conducted using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) to detect symptoms of depression early. Students requiring further attention were given the opportunity to participate in counseling sessions and mental health services with psychiatrists and clinical psychologists.


The activity continued at the Songan B Village Hall, attended by the Village Head, Mr. I Ketut Sabtu, parents, and health workers from the Kintamani 5 Community Health Center. In this session, participants received education on The mental health challenges of adolescents amidst digitalization, cultural change, and the dynamics of Generation Z were also discussed. Educational strategies for supportive parenting and effective communication within the family were also provided. The event also included training in the Suryani Spirit Meditation technique, a stress management approach that integrates psychological and spiritual aspects.


Interactive discussions provided a space for parents to share their experiences and challenges, and receive solutions directly from experts. Individual counseling sessions were also available for parents who needed further support.


Quoting Prof. Dr. Cokorda Bagus Jaya Lesmana, dr., Sp.K.J., Subsp.K.(K), MARS, "Early detection and mental health literacy in schools are long-term investments to prevent the burden of mental disorders in the future." Lecturer Dr. Anak Ayu Sri Wahyuni, dr., Sp.K.J.(K) also stated that "Adolescents need a safe space to understand their emotions. Education and screening help them recognize when to seek help."


The Village Head of Songan B expressed his appreciation for this activity, saying, "We really appreciate this activity because it addresses the real needs of our community. Adolescent mental health issues are often invisible, but they have a significant impact on families and the village. With direct education and counseling from experts, our community has become more open and ready to better support our children."


Positive responses also came from students and parents. "This activity has made us understand that feeling sad, anxious, or depressed is nothing to be ashamed of. We know that there are ways to cope and that there are people ready to help us," said a student at SMPN 4 Kintamani. A parent also commented, "As parents, we are often confused about how to deal with changes in our teenagers' behavior in the digital age. Today's discussion has opened our eyes to the importance of more empathetic communication and how to recognize signs that children need professional help."


This activity affirms the commitment of the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University's Psychiatry Specialist Study Program to raising awareness that mental health is a crucial foundation for the future of the younger generation. Through a promotive, preventive, and curative approach involving schools, families, health workers, and the community, it is hoped that a more caring and responsive ecosystem will be created for adolescent mental health in Songan Village, Kintamani.


"From Songan Village, Kintamani, we send the message that maintaining mental health is a shared responsibility. When knowledge, empathy, and concern converge, a generation will emerge that is not only...