Behind the “Pick Me” and “Avoidant” Trends, UIN Jakarta’s Psychological Well-Being Service Emphasizes the Importance of Professional Consultation
Faculty of Psychology, UIN News Online — The growing popularity of short-form social media content related to self-diagnosis has captured the attention of many young people, particularly Generation Z. Terms associated with mental health issues are increasingly used as personal labels and identities. While such content can help raise awareness and present mental health topics in a casual and accessible way, it can also lead to misunderstandings when individuals diagnose themselves without professional assessment.
This phenomenon has prompted students and practitioners at the Faculty of Psychology of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta to highlight the importance of seeking professional guidance. Through its Student Psychological Well-Being Service (Layanan Kesejahteraan Psikologi Mahasiswa/LKPM), the faculty provides a reliable avenue for students seeking answers regarding mental health concerns and self-diagnosis.
During a visit to the LKPM office on Wednesday (May 20, 2026), UIN Online News gathered information about the counseling services available to the academic community of the Faculty of Psychology.
Established on July 9, 2021, LKPM was officially inaugurated by the Rector of UIN Jakarta for the 2019–2023 period, Prof. Dr. Hj. Amany Burhanuddin Lubis, Lc., M.A., alongside the Dean of the Faculty of Psychology for the same period, Dr. Zahrotun Nihayah, M.Si., and the Head of LKPM, Dr. Neneng Tati Sumiati, M.Si., Psychologist.
As a counseling and psychological support unit, LKPM offers psychological counseling services, assistance from trained peer counselors, as well as mental health education and promotion programs. Guided by promotive, preventive, and curative approaches, and supported by professional psychologists, trained counselors, and counselors working under professional supervision, LKPM is equipped to address a wide range of student concerns, including academic pressure, social relationship dynamics, and emotional regulation challenges.
Students interested in accessing LKPM services are first encouraged to consult with their Academic Advisor (PA), who will help determine the most suitable support pathway.
According to LKPM administrator Ilma Halida Alkaf, counseling services at LKPM follow strict ethical standards.
“In psychology, counselors should not provide counseling to people they already know because it may create bias. Therefore, LKPM has its own counseling schedule. Counselors may be trained student peer counselors or lecturers, and students can choose whom they would like to meet and on which day after consulting with their Academic Advisor,” she explained.
Becoming a counselor within LKPM is also regarded as a valuable opportunity for psychology students to deepen their practical knowledge and professional skills. Ilma described the rigorous selection process that candidates must undergo, consisting of administrative screening, an in-depth interview focusing on mental health issues, and a final project that must be designed and implemented within ten days.
“We had to organize and run the project while attending classes, and we were given only ten days to execute the program,” Ilma recalled.
Beyond counseling services, LKPM actively contributes to broader community mental health initiatives. The organization conducts Mental Health Check-Up (MHCU) programs at universities, schools, and public events, participates in awareness campaigns during Car Free Day activities, and opens information booths at various events. In the near future, LKPM plans to implement a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) program using standardized psychological assessment tools, including the Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ).
LKPM also extends its services beyond campus by supporting disaster-affected communities. Through trauma-healing initiatives, student counselors and supervisors assist survivors in coping with emotional distress following natural disasters.
LKPM administrator Syifa Sakinah explained that trauma healing focuses on helping individuals manage and gradually overcome traumatic experiences.
“Trauma healing is not about curing trauma instantly. It is about helping people reduce the impact of traumatic experiences. We support them by listening to their stories, understanding their feelings, and providing encouragement,” she said.
As a student-led unit supervised by faculty leaders and lecturers, LKPM places strong emphasis on maintaining the quality and professionalism of its programs. Responding to current social media trends among Generation Z, LKPM administrators have expressed concern over the increasing use of labels such as “avoidant,” “pick me,” and “Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)” in online content.
According to LKPM administrators, terms such as “avoidant,” “pick me,” and “NPD” are often used casually on social media, despite being associated with psychological characteristics that require professional evaluation. Determining whether an individual exhibits specific behavioral patterns or mental health conditions involves comprehensive assessment procedures conducted by qualified professionals.
Through its counseling services, educational programs, and community initiatives, LKPM continues to promote a more informed understanding of mental health. The organization encourages students and the public alike to seek professional consultation rather than relying on self-diagnosis, emphasizing that accurate assessment remains the key to effective psychological support and well-being.