Getting free and confidential help is simple with Ask Counselling
It’s crucial that you look after yourself while you study, and focus on your wellbeing as well as your grades. This has been an extra focus for the whole Deakin community during Mind Matters week, but we want mental health to be in the spotlight every day.
If you find yourself struggling with study issues, personal problems or your mental health, asking for help is a positive act. Deakin offers several services, including one-on-one counselling if you’d like to talk with someone. But if this feels a bit daunting, a great first step is to visit our Ask Counselling blog.
How does Ask Counselling work?
Ask Counselling is an online resource that offers support and advice on emotional and psychological issues from Deakin’s Counselling and Psychological Support (CAPS) team of student mental health experts. You can browse existing questions and answers, or post your own question for a personalised reply.
The best thing about the blog is that it’s real questions asked by current Deakin students. Anything you read about on Ask Counselling has been a problem faced by someone like you – a student feeling overwhelmed, alone or unsure.
What kinds of questions can I ask?
Pretty much anything!
There’s heaps of topics to explore, including anxiety, loneliness, family problems, online study and exams. They’re all categorised by topic, so you can easily find the area you’re interested in.
You could start by reading the existing discussions and then post your own question if you want specific advice. A CAPS counsellor will respond within 72 business hours with a tailored reply to your issue.
Will my name be published?
No, your name won’t be published. We do publish the questions and answers on Ask Counselling so that others can benefit too – but it’s all anonymous, so no one will know what you’ve asked.
What if I want to talk with someone one-on-one?
Ask Counselling doesn’t replace personal counselling. If you feel ready and you’re located in Australia, we recommend you speak to a CAPS counsellor. Our team of highly skilled psychologists and social workers offers free and confidential support to Deakin students. Book online now.
We also have some specialist counsellors available – just select the relevant cohort when you book:
- First Nations students can see Kate Towart, Social and Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) Counsellor
- School of Medicine students can see Jacqueline Payne, SoM Counsellor
- School of Nursing and Midwifery students can see Tracey Johnston-Hoad, SoNM Counsellor.
Ask Counselling is not a 24-hour service for students in crisis. If you need immediate emergency help, you should contact Lifeline or SuicideLine now. To chat to a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter, call 13YARN (13 92 76) to yarn in a safe way without judgement.
If you’re currently based overseas, the Deakin Student Assistance Program connects you to in-country counselling resources in English or local languages. This free support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
We also recommend you download the DeakinWELLBEING app, our one-stop-shop for all things health – both physical and mental – at Deakin. It’s available free to all students, no matter where you’re located.