[caption id="attachment_4175" align="aligncenter" width="464"] (photo: the invited speakers on the stage)[/caption]

South Tangerang, Indonesia - On Tuesday, 4th May 2023, an international conference on Religion and Mental Health was held at the Teater Prof. Zakiah Daradjat, Faculty of Psychology of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta. The conference was attended by the Dean of the faculty of Psychology, who gave the welcoming speech, as well as the Vice Rector for Cooperation & Institutional Development, Mr. Din Wahid, M.A. Ph.D, who was the keynote speaker.

[caption id="attachment_4176" align="alignleft" width="284"] (photo: Mr. Din Wahid, M.A. Ph.D_ Vice Rector for Cooperation & Institutional Development)[/caption]

In his speech, Mr. Din Wahid emphasized the importance of the conference topic, particularly considering the COVID-19 pandemic and the disruption it has caused globally. The conference aimed to explore the intersection of religion and mental health, and how this integration can lead to improved well-being and resilience.

The conference featured four speakers, including three lecturers from NU Baliwag, Prof. Argel B. Masanda, Ph.D. RGC. RPm, Ms. Clarisse Loire. M. Mercado, MA., and Mr. Lowel L. Urian, MA RBC, and a lecturer from the Faculty of Psychology at UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta, Mr. Mohamad Avicenna, M.H.Sc. Ph.D. The moderator of the event was Suzan Zuhra, a staff member from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology.

One of the highlights of the event was Prof. Argel's presentation on Grisilience, a concept that emphasizes the importance of grit and resilience in promoting a growth mindset mentality. This topic is particularly relevant in the current age of disruption, where individuals are faced with unprecedented challenges and uncertainties.

Ms. Clarisse Loire. M. Mercado and Mr. Lowel L. Urian talks about spirituality and religioun from the Philippine experience. It shed light on the unique cultural perspective of the Philippines, and how spirituality and religion are intertwined in the daily lives of its people.

The material provided insights into the role of faith in promoting mental well-being and resilience, and the importance of understanding cultural contexts in addressing mental health issues. Even Ms. Clarisse said that "Religion can push us through the hard times."

Meanwhile, Mr. Mohamad Avicenna explores the relationship between religiousness, spirituality, and mental health. He delved into several systematic review research on religiousness/spirituality and mental health. He also discussed strategies that can improve mental health or psychological well-being, such as prayer, contemplation and meditation, reading sacred writings, repentance, atonement, and forgiveness, worship and ritual, as well as seeking spiritual direction.

[caption id="attachment_4177" align="aligncenter" width="477"] (photo: The audience of the International Conference)[/caption]

This international conference was an important opportunity for scholars and professionals to come together to explore the intersection between religion and mental health. The integration of these two fields is crucial, especially in these times of disruption and uncertainty. By discussing the relationship between religion and mental health, the conference aimed to provide insights and practical strategies to uplift our well-being.

The conference was a great success, and the organizers hope that it will contribute to the advancement of research and practice in the field of religion and mental health.