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Remind or Research Mindedness is an international competition initiated by the Padjadjaran University Communication Studies Program. This competition is under the auspices of Epicentrum Faculty of Communication Science Universitas Padjadjaran which focuses on research. Remind combines research, creative solutions, and strategic planning to find new breakthroughs in solving social problems.

[THIS YEAR THEME]

Marginalized groups frequently encounter discrimination and exclusion due to imbalanced power dynamics across economic, political, social, and cultural domains, which can elevate their vulnerability to mental health conditions (Machado et al., 2021; World Health Organization, 2022). Research conducted by Funk et al. (2012) substantiated a robust correlation between poverty and mental disorders, reinforcing the notion that addressing mental disorders should be a pivotal component of development initiatives. The social impacts of mental disorders are multifaceted, encompassing increased homelessness, elevated rates of imprisonment, constrained educational prospects and outcomes, limited employment prospects, and diminished income (Funk et al., 2012).

The necessity for poverty alleviation programs to disrupt the intertwined cycles of mental illness and poverty is indisputable. However, the realization of these programs necessitates societal support across all levels. Notwithstanding, the pervasive societal stigma surrounding mental health in marginalized communities poses a significant obstacle to the effective implementation of these programs. The prevailing stigma surrounding mental illness can be attributed to a dearth of understanding, stemming from both ignorance and misinformation (Health Direct). A paucity of mental health stigma reduction programs has undergone independent review or evaluation (Stuart, 2016), resulting in a deterioration of mental health education among the general public.

Consequently, there is an urgent need for a program that prioritizes public education to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health disorders in marginalized communities. This is a crucial step in addressing these issues, as enhancing public awareness about mental health among these communities is pivotal in finding solutions. To develop such a program, research is necessary that yields recommendations or suggestions for initiatives that can effectively reduce or address mental health challenges in these communities.

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