Be inspired and challenged by our incredible Mind Matters Student Art Exhibition
Isolation, trauma, helplessness, depression, anxiety:
Sometimes it can feel like you’re drowning.
I thought being an adult was scary. A pandemic is worse.
But also peace, perspective, healing, resilience, hope and love:
Know that you are worth it. Know that you are loved.
The sun will set, the sun will rise. I will enjoy its beauty by embracing it no matter what.
These are the themes, emotions and experiences that some truly brave and generous Deakin students have shared with us as part of our Mind Matters Student Art Exhibition, which features works of art inspired by or reflecting on mental health and wellbeing.
The exhibition, launched as part of Mental Health Month, features student artworks from 2021, 2020 and 2019, and highlights the broad spectrum of mental health that we may all experience at different times. It also shows how important it is to make mental health and wellbeing a ‘normal’ thing to talk about.
Art can be such a powerful way to reflect, communicate and connect with others, and to know that you’re not alone. So take a look at these creative, honest and powerful works from students of all backgrounds.
We know that you’ll find their experiences valuable as you consider your own wellbeing or the mental health journey of someone close to you.
View the Mind Matters Student Art Exhibition.
Content warning: some of these artworks may trigger past trauma. Please make your own assessment on whether this exhibition is suitable for you and seek support if needed.
Remember to nurture your own mental health and wellbeing
During Mental Health Month, we’re encouraging you to ‘tune in’ to your own wellbeing – but you should also embed it in your daily life, no matter what else you’ve got going on. Here’s some ways to do this:
- Put yourself first: the Black Dog Institute says that self-care helps to prevent stress and anxiety. Check out their self-care planning fact sheet and template, which outlines some simple steps to get you in a better headspace.
- Stay connected: Beyond Blue has some fantastic tips and resources for how to stay connected during COVID-19. You can also get involved in some awesome uni events and activities by joining DUSA or one of our peer mentor programs.
- Make sleep a priority: proper sleep is so crucial to both your physical and mental health. Here’s some ways to sleep better.
- Exercise your body and mind: calm your mind and find some balance with meditation, yoga and pilates. DeakinACTIVE is holding free online sessions throughout October. You can also download the Smiling Mind app or try meditation with a Deakin counsellor.
- Understand the link between food and mood: Research shows a link between diet and mental health, so it’s important to eat healthy food as often as you can. Check out our new healthy eating hub, Nourished @ Deakin, for inspiration!
Seek professional help if you need to
If you feel excessively stressed or anxious, begin to withdraw from friends and family, or notice unusual symptoms or emotions, please seek help. For emergency, 24-hour support, contact LifeLine or SuicideLine. Deakin also has a range of student support services:
- Make a free and confidential telehealth appointment with a Deakin counsellor or one of our doctors at a Deakin Medical Centre.
- Visit our Ask Counselling blog, which contains questions asked by students and answered by Deakin counsellors. All questions and responses are anonymous.
- Access a range of mental health resources in the eWellbeing Hub.
- Contact Safer Community to report or make a disclosure of sexual harm; to report domestic family violence or problem behaviour; or to access support. All assistance is confidential.
- Talk to one of Deakin’s Multifaith Chaplains, who offer compassionate support to everyone, whether religious or not.
- Still not sure where to go? Just contact Student Central, who can direct you to services right across the University.
You’re more than a student to us. As part of our Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we promote positive mental health and wellbeing so you can enjoy your university experience and thrive in your personal life, while also succeeding at your studies. We do this through a range of innovative and supportive policies, services and resources.
Image credits:
- Banner image: Mission control by Chris Tomkins
- Image 1: Depression by Dee Beayini
- Image 2: Untitled by Daniel Boland.