The Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology, Department of Food and Agricultural Product Technology (TPHP), Universitas Gadjah Mada (UGM), continues to strengthen its support for students throughout their graduate studies. This support is provided not only through the development of academic competencies, research, and academic supervision, but also through attention to students’ personal well-being and mental health.
As part of this commitment, the Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology (ITP) held a guest lecture entitled “Navigating Expectations and Failure: Maintaining Mental Health Amid Academic Pressure” on Wednesday, September 30, at the Kamarijani-Soenjoto Auditorium, Faculty of Agricultural Technology (FTP) UGM. The event was mandatory for students of the Master’s Program in Food Science and Technology and the Master’s Program in Plantation Product Technology, and was also open to other members of the FTP UGM academic community.
The guest lecture featured Regis Machdy, M.Sc., National Mega Best-Selling Author of Loving the Wounded Soul and Co-founder of Pijar Psikologi. During the session, Regis encouraged students to view their academic journey from a broader perspective. He emphasized that pursuing higher education is not solely about meeting demands for achievement and productivity, but also requires the ability to recognize one’s own condition, adapt, and manage the various pressures that may arise throughout the study period.
Regis explained that academic pressure can stem from various circumstances, including examinations, assignments and deadlines, social and family expectations, transitional periods, and financial concerns. When the demands faced continuously exceed the resources available to cope with them, the situation may develop into burnout. Some of its signs include mental and emotional exhaustion, cynical or apathetic attitudes toward academic activities, and decreased confidence in one’s academic abilities.
One of the key points highlighted during the session was the importance of not allowing academic achievements to become the sole basis of one’s identity. Regis encouraged participants to distinguish between an event, the labels they place on themselves, and predictions about the future. A disappointing exam result or failure in an academic process is an event that can be evaluated and learned from. It does not automatically determine a person’s self-worth or define their future success.
To help students cope with pressure during their studies, Regis also shared several practical strategies that can be incorporated into daily life. These include maintaining healthy sleep and eating patterns, engaging in regular physical activity, building social connections and support systems, and having the courage to share their experiences and ask for help when facing difficulties. Students were also introduced to practices such as journaling, breathing exercises, and mindfulness as ways to manage their emotional and mental well-being.
In addition to maintaining physical and mental health, students were encouraged to maintain activities and aspects of their identity outside academic life. In this way, their lives would not revolve solely around academic achievements. Regis also highlighted the importance of making use of counseling services or seeking professional assistance when further support is needed.
During the session, students were also encouraged to develop habits of self-appreciation and gratitude while reducing unnecessary scrolling on their devices. According to Regis, stress management needs to be practiced consistently through everyday habits. Maintaining mental health is not a process that brings about instant change, but rather requires continuous attention and effort.
Through this activity, the ITP Study Program and the Department of TPHP hope to provide students with a better understanding of mental health dynamics during graduate studies, as well as practical strategies for managing academic pressure. Students are expected to become more capable of recognizing signs of stress and burnout, developing habits that support their physical and mental well-being, and seeking support when facing various challenges.
With this support, graduate education is expected to serve not only as a space for developing academic and professional competencies, but also as an important part of shaping individuals who are resilient, adaptable, and capable of maintaining balance while navigating various demands.
