IIUMC4U: You are not alone, We are in this together!

IG live session with Br. Faizul Irfan

(26th April 2020)

What is psychosocial support team and how does it work?

Psychosocial Support Team is only an assistant to the counsellor team in IIUM Kuantan. This team is established right away after the Movement Control Order (MCO) implemented due to pandemic Covid-19 that functions to help IIUM psychological officer (Madam Rina) and keep track of students’ mental well-being. This team consists of three persons; two brothers and a sister. The sister is one of the PEERS members IIUM Kuantan which directly linked under counsellor team that open a helping hand for students to share their problems or issues.

Are there any issues or cases that have been solved by psychosocial support team?

In the beginning, this team only focused on students in the mahallah. Then, we decided to open our service for all students either they are staying at home or in the mahallah. For the time being, some students shared problems and sought suggestions with us during the MCO but till now, there are no big issues among students. At the same time, we always offer to give assistance and help to all students.

What is the medium for psychosocial support team to hold a program?

There are a lot of mediums that we use. We do have online video conferences through Zoom or Skype. In addition, we have a telegram channel that keep updated every day about many things. Also, students can set up an appointment with Madam Rina by calling or chatting on WhatsApp. All students are encouraged to follow PEERS ‘s social media to keep being notified with psychosocial support team.

How to be a good listener?

Counselling session not only function to fully solve students’ problems but guide them to find the best way to solve the crisis. Tips to be a good listener:

a) Never interrupted.

b) Summarize what we have listened to and always try to wrap up or make a mini summary for every story to build trust and prevent misunderstanding.

c) Never expect that we need to solve the problem at that moment because some clients might only want to share their issues.

d) Just listen and be honest in what we say.

Is gender differences a restriction between client and counsellor?

There is no restriction on that, but there are still few guidelines need to be followed according to Islam. For example, we need to be aware about the meeting area and the distance between client and counsellor.

Why do we need to tell our problems to our friends?

Some people might think that you are weak if you share your problems to others so that is why you must pick the only close friends that you trust to talk to. Do not tell your problems to acquaintances or people you barely know. In addition, do not keep bothering your close friends with your problems all the time. By sharing our problem with others, this helps to lessen our burden, helps to control our emotions and guides us to find further solutions.