Free Mental Health and Wellbeing Resources For Students

According to a study by Headspace and the National Union of Students, 83% of tertiary students in Australia are stressed. On top of that, 79% feel anxious and 56% report having trouble sleeping.

As a student, getting help when you’re struggling can be especially challenging, particularly as counselling and psychological services can often prove expensive and time-consuming.

Below are some free resources, both on and off campus, for graduate students struggling with mental health and wellbeing.

If you’re struggling with your studies…

• Find out about study support across campus on the GSA blog
• Join a grad group and meet people who share your experiences
• Head to Stop 1 if you need any more advice

If you want to talk to a Counsellor or Psychologist…

• Speak to your GP about a Mental Health Care Plan (if you have a Medicare card)
• Book in for an individual counselling session with the uni’s Counselling Service
• If you need to talk to someone immediately, call Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) or Lifeline (13 11 14)
• Ask the Counselling Service a question online, and get a detailed, informative response (or search the questions that are already there)
• Join a free workshop on campus and get help with the issues that matter most to you
• Try online counselling with 1800 RESPECT
• Find out what to do while you wait for in-person support from a counsellor or psychologist

If you’re looking for online mental health support…

• Try the K10 test to check your symptoms and learn about next steps
• Join the Beyond Blue forums and learn from others who share your experiences
• Take the online modules from thedesk, a program aiming to support Australian tertiary students with their mental health and wellbeing
• Learn cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) skills to better cope with anxiety and depression by using Mood Gym
• Get a personalised self-help program for depression or anxiety by using My Compass

If you’re looking for wellbeing support…

• Try mindfulness meditation online for free by using the Smiling Mind app or the free trial versions of other apps like Headspace and Calm, to help reduce stress and improve sleep
• Head to the Counselling Service’s Mindful Meditation sessions on Wednesday lunchtimes
• Listen to the Counselling Service’s audio advice, including meditations, breath training and self-esteem support
• Check your drinking to make sure that your alcohol consumption is healthy
• Keep your internet distractions under control with apps like Self Control (Mac) or Cold Turkey (PC)
• Join a free yoga class in Fed Square every Tuesday lunchtime

If you’re looking for resources and information…

• Read Surviving the Journey for postgrad-specific advice about mental health and wellbeing
• Find out how to better manage your wellbeing
• Check out the Counselling Service’s A–Z list of online resources (including this guide to coming back to uni after a mental health problem)
• Learn more about depression and anxiety, including how to get help and how to help yourself, with Beyond Blue
• Get information on relationships and sexuality, and how these issues can affect mental health and wellbeing
• Find out how about gambling problems, eating disorders, and procrastination – and learn how to take the next steps to solving your problems
• Read up on how to get better sleep
• Get proactive and develop a self-care plan