Could you introduce yourself and share your field of study at the university?

Hello, my name is Gracius Rendi Wahyu Jatiprasetyo you can call me Graci. I studied at the Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University Widya Mandala Surabaya.

Could you describe your limitations?

I have a mental disorder, which is depression. I was previously diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder, but gradually I have been getting better. It may also be due to the fact that I have had or made a suicide attempt.

What inspired you to pursue this field of study?

My main inspiration for psychology was a manhwa or webtoon named Doctor Frost, which inspired me to become a psychologist or maybe a person who is useful in helping other people around me with mental illness.

Can you describe your experience studying at the university as a person with a disability?

It was probably around the third or fourth semester when the depression showed up, so I experienced it for approximately a year and a half while at university. Honestly, all those things disturbed me my mind was not focused. Whatever I would do, things that used to be fun, like reading or watching a movie, became something repetitive and joyless. But after the suicide attempt itself, I tried to rise, even if it was painful, and to process everything over time. I realized that a lot of friends helped me, including staff and faculty.

Can you share a positive moment when you felt genuinely supported or included?

There are some close friends of mine Nathan and Calvin. Thank you, because you two were already on my side as comrades, always watching my back. And my parents, who always supported me. Then other friends, especially in student organizations which at that time I had left I felt trusted for editing and other tasks, even to enter a paper competition in the Philippines. Even while I was feeling depressed and perhaps experiencing some cognitive decline from the ordeal.

Could you share your biggest achievement, and why?

Keep living. Because for me, to keep on living and fight will be worth it more. Maybe I just interpret my life through what I would do things like reading or listening to music and that was enough for me to keep on living.

What personal strengths or strategies help you navigate challenges in university life?

In facing it, I am more into believing that I am not alone that there are friends behind me, ready to support me. Other than that, I also have one role model, which is Albert Camus, where he too through absurdism showed that whatever I do to be alive means something to me.

Who or what has played the biggest role in supporting your journey?

Definitely my parents, and then Nathan and Calvin themselves, who also kept giving me encouragement. They tried to lift me up saying it’s okay, it’s okay. For example, if I felt I did something wrong, they would say: you don’t have to be sorry for making a mistake, everybody makes mistakes.

What changes would make universities more accessible and inclusive for disabled individuals?

Universities can help by providing services such as a psychology service center or psychology services purely for the purpose of consulting, because of mental health problems or anything else. Mental health is pretty invisible, because what we see is just the outside.

What advice would you give to other disabled students entering higher education?

Probably from student friends or lecturers don’t judge too much. Maybe your student friends can invite someone to talk, because those who might be going through a hard time need a supportive environment. For other friends who are still studying and who see a friend in need please help them. At least hear them, listen to their story. I am trying, and maybe I and other friends will be able to make the environment comfortable for other friends with special needs for those who come after us.