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To Commemorate World Mental Health Day 2026, the Psychiatry Department of Udayana University's Faculty of Medicine Hosts "Run for Mental Health 7K"
To Commemorate World Mental Health Day 2026, the Psychiatry Department of Udayana University's Faculty of Medicine Hosts "Run for Mental Health 7K"
To commemorate World Mental Health Day (WMHD) 2026, the Department and Specialist Study Program of Psychiatry at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University—in collaboration with the Denpasar-Bali Branch of PDSKJI (Indonesian Psychiatrists Association)—organized the "Run for Mental Health 7K: Every Mile Counts. Every Step Matters" event. The event took place at the Sada Jiwa Primary Clinic in Sembung Village, Mengwi District, Badung Regency, on Sunday, October 11, 2026.
The event featured a 7-kilometer fun run, meditation sessions, mental health education, physical health screenings, and mental health assessments. This series of activities aimed to raise public awareness about the importance of maintaining mental health through physical activity, stress management, and social support, while also encouraging the courage to seek professional help.
In his remarks, the Vice Dean for Academic and Student Affairs at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Prof. Dr. I Md. Ady Wirawan, M.P.H., Ph.D., emphasized the importance of promotive and preventive efforts in addressing mental health stigma. He noted that mental health is not merely the absence of mental disorders, but a state in which we are able to manage life's pressures, learn, work, and contribute to others.
The Head of the Psychiatry Department at the Faculty of Medicine, Udayana University, Dr. I Gusti Ayu Indah Ardani, Sp.K.J., Subsp. A.R., stated in her remarks that the World Mental Health Day 2026 commemoration via the "Run for Mental Health 7K" served as a pivotal moment to foster openness, care, and support for individuals facing mental health challenges.
Dr. I Gusti Ayu Indah Ardani, Sp.K.J., Subsp. Dr. I Gusti Ayu Indah Ardani, Sp.K.J., Subsp. A.R., explained that this event is part of the routine activities of the Department and Psychiatry Specialist Study Program, marking the second time it has been organized as a "fun run." Through this event, the public is encouraged to understand that maintaining mental health does not always require grand gestures but can be achieved through everyday habits.
“Through the Run for Mental Health 7K, we want to invite the public to see that maintaining mental health can start with simple things. Exercising, building positive social relationships, making time for oneself, and having the courage to seek help when facing psychological issues are all part of maintaining mental health,” added Dr. I Gusti Ayu Indah Ardani, Sp.K.J., Subsp. A.R.
The Chairperson of the HKJS 2026 Organizing Committee, Dr. Anak Agung Ngurah Andika Damarnegara, Sp.K.J., stated that the Run for Mental Health 7K was designed to combine physical activity, education, and community engagement to raise awareness about mental health. Through a series of activities—including the fun run, meditation, mental health education, and physical and mental health screenings—the committee aims to foster a closer connection with the community. The event is expected to encourage participants not only to pay attention to their physical health but also to recognize their own psychological state and understand the importance of social support.
Dr. Anak Agung Ngurah Andika Damarnegara, Sp.K.J., emphasized that every individual plays a role in creating an environment that supports mental health. Care and concern can be demonstrated through simple actions, such as listening without judgment, offering support to those facing difficulties, and encouraging individuals to seek professional help when needed. “Through the Run for Mental Health 7K, we want to show that maintaining mental health is a shared journey. We hope this event serves not only as a sporting activity
but also as a space to foster togetherness, raise awareness, and remind the public that every small step can bring about meaningful change
for mental health,” added Dr. Anak Agung Ngurah Andika Damarnegara, Sp.K.J.
The collaboration between the Department and the Psychiatry Specialist Study Program at the Udayana University Faculty of Medicine and the Denpasar-Bali Branch of PDSKJI in organizing this event marks a significant step in expanding mental health education and promotion within the community. Mental health outreach aims to improve public understanding regarding the importance of early recognition of mental health issues, while physical and mental health screenings offer participants the opportunity to pay closer attention to their overall well-being. Meanwhile, meditation sessions serve to highlight the importance of taking time for oneself and cultivating habits for stress management.
Through this event, held at the Sada Jiwa Primary Clinic in Sembung Village, the Department of Psychiatry at the Udayana University Faculty of Medicine hopes that the message of mental health
can reach the community. ...the broader community and fostering an environment that is more inclusive, supportive, and stigma-free.
The 2026 National Mental Health Day (HKJS) commemoration, featuring the "Run for Mental Health 7K," serves as a reminder that mental health is an integral part of overall well-being. Every step taken, every act of courage in sharing one's story, and every willingness to listen are part of our collective effort to build a society that is healthier—both physically and mentally.
Every Mile Counts. Every Step Matters. Because every step is significant, every voice deserves to be heard, and every individual has the right to receive support in achieving better mental health.
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UDAYANA UNIVERSITY