Join us to inspire change this University Mental Health Day
The juggle of being a uni student isn’t always easy. At Deakin, we want to acknowledge these challenges, embrace imperfection and shine a spotlight on mental health. We’re all about creating ongoing positive change and finding ways to support ourselves and each other. Please know that you’re not alone.
Tomorrow (Tuesday 7 May) is University Mental Health Day (UMHD). Mental health is something that affects us all. The broad spectrum of mental health encompasses more than just dealing with any problems – it’s also about helping you feel your best and accepting yourself, whatever your situation.
You may be someone who experiences anxiety, depression or another mental health issue. Perhaps you’re keen to create healthy and sustainable habits that boost your wellbeing. It might be as simple as wanting to just feel better about yourself. Whatever your mental health experience to date, you can make small changes each day to put your wellbeing front and centre.
Here, we asked a few of our Deakin Wellbeing Ambassadors if they have any strategies or advice for how they manage any symptoms of uni stress (including feelings of overwhelm and procrastination), and work towards wellbeing in their life.
For me personally, I’d say I like going for walks in general, so I usually walk around the city just to get my head off things. I usually play sports, go for a jog, play cricket, play footy, just basic stuff like that. Leshane Kandegadara (Real Estate student)
I go for a walk for about 30–40 minutes everyday, without my phone. I just try to be with myself and with nature. I recently moved to Deakin Res at Waurn Ponds, which has helped me a lot with my mental health and wellbeing. I often go for a walk at the forest therapy area in my free time, which is just at the back of the library. Grace Kapur (Nursing student)
I find knowing my limits and seeking support helps me with the struggles of university life. I find asking for extensions when needed, seeking support, study sessions with friends, being with my pets and scheduled TV time helps me both to destress and stay on top of my workload at my level.
Aiden Stevenson (Public Health and Health Promotion student)
Hear more about how our Deakin Wellbeing Ambassadors manage the uni-life balance on Deakin Life Instagram now!
What’s happening at Deakin for UMHD 2024
Mental health and wellbeing should be a ‘normal’ thing to talk about. This UMHD, we’d love for you to start thinking about your wellbeing, so here’s some ways you can get involved:
- Share your story – use the hashtag #UniMentalHealthDay to share how you look after your own wellbeing, how you support others or what inspires you. It’s also a great gift to share your personal experience with other students, so contact us if you’d like to be featured on Deakin Life.
Join a Walk’n’Talk group – it’s our final week of Walk’n’Talks for Trimester 1 – take a short stroll across campus and connect with other students in these weekly sessions run by our Wellbeing Ambassadors. Start the day with a clear mind – and you’ll be back in time for class!- Attend a THRIVE online session – boost your study habits, communication skills, motivation and stress management techniques in these workshops based on identified student needs and established psychological theories. There’s three sessions left for T1.
- Download the DeakinWELLBEING app – keep your uni life in balance and develop healthy habits with the app that’s your one-stop-shop for all things health and wellbeing.
- Try some yoga, meditation or pilates – DeakinACTIVE is running free online sessions during until the end of T1.
- Boost your mood by taking some time out! There’s plenty of other fun events on for DUSA’s Self Care Week.
Beyond UMHD: how to keep focusing on your wellbeing
There’s some fantastic organisations, resources and tools that can show you how to achieve the best possible mental health. Check out VicHealth for helpful resources to encourage healthy mental wellbeing, Beyond Blue for a ‘stay well’ plan or the Black Dog Institute for a self-care planning fact sheet and template.
Some simple everyday habits can also help you to stay more balanced and in control:
- Stay connected: Get involved in uni events and activities, join DUSA and check out 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: exercise is one of the simplest ways to stay positive, so include some ‘active time’ in your study routine. You could 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 student-led healthy eating hub, Nourished @ Deakin, for inspiration!
We also encourage you to access professional support whenever you need extra help. We offer a range of health and wellbeing services to support you during your time at Deakin. For support after hours, contact our After-Hours Mental Health Support Line which offers students immediate and emotional support between 5pm–9am weekdays, and 24 hours across weekends, public holidays and University shutdown. Call 1300 239 002 or Message 0485 829 309.
For urgent support outside of business hours, contact Lifeline (13 11 14) or SuicideLine (1300 651 251) straight away. They’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You must be logged in to post a comment.