5 May 2025

Join us in embracing imperfection on University Mental Health Day

The juggle of being a uni student isn’t always easy. At Deakin, we want to acknowledge these challenges, embrace the ups and downs, 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 never alone.

Tomorrow (Tuesday 6 May) is University Mental Health Day (UMHD). Mental health is something that touches all of us – it’s not just about coping with difficulties, but also about finding ways to feel your best, stay connected, and accept yourself through every high and low.

This year, we’re focusing on an experience many students face but don’t often talk about: perfectionism.

The pressure to be perfect – and why it’s exhausting

Aiming high can be a great motivator, but when we start chasing perfection in every corner of life, it gets exhausting. And let’s be real: it can chip away at your wellbeing.

Research shows that perfectionism is linked to higher stress, anxiety, depression, and burnout. Instead of pushing us forward, the pressure to “get everything right” can make it harder to start tasks, finish projects, or feel proud of what we’ve achieved.

Perfectionism can stem from lots of places – early life experiences, academic pressures, personality traits, or the constant comparisons we make on social media. Over time, it can spiral from a healthy drive for success into a draining cycle of self-criticism, procrastination and fear of failure.

How to break free and embrace your real self

This UMHD, we’re inviting you to let go of perfectionism and embrace something far better: being human.

Embracing imperfection means recognising that mistakes are part of learning (and life). It’s about celebrating effort, growth and resilience – not just the final result. When we let go of the impossible standards we set, we make more room for connection, creativity, and true progress.

At Deakin, we believe that taking care of your mental wellbeing is every bit as important as striving for academic excellence. This UMHD, why not try one of these small but powerful mindset shifts:

• Reflect: Are the expectations you place on yourself realistic – and are they kind?

• Celebrate: Notice and honour the effort you’re putting in, not just the outcomes.

• Reframe: Speak to yourself like you’d encourage a friend (with warmth and patience).

• Keep it real: Remember, progress is built through practice, not perfection.

• Reach out: You never have to do it all alone.

You’re doing more than you realise. You’re learning, growing, and showing up for yourself every day – and that’s worth celebrating.

If you’re interested in more tips to keep perfectionism from getting in the way of finishing your assignments, check out this video by Deakin counsellor Andrew Chua.

What Deakin students think about perfectionism

We recently hit the campus (and the big questions) to ask: what does perfectionism feel like, and how do you deal with it? From honest reflections to clever mindset shifts, here’s what your fellow students had to say:

Perfectionism feels like an internal conflict… a voice telling you you’re not enough, you can do better, and it just gives me a lot of stress.

The pro is that I deliver really good results… but on the flip side, it’s not sustainable. It’s not good for my health because I would stay up late to reach that image of being perfect.

I’m wearing mismatched socks. You can’t tell, but it’s killing me on the inside – I’m trying. It’s like exposure therapy.

Reframing that ‘what if’ – like, what if I don’t get a HD – into ‘even if.’ Even if I don’t get a HD, it’s okay. That really helps in shifting the mindset.

Perfectionism can make you detail-oriented and motivated, but it also piles on pressure and stress that can make your days harder.

One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received? To treat myself like I would treat a friend – with patience, compassion, and encouragement.

If any of these ring true for you, or if you want to hear more from your peers, check out the conversation happening over at @deakinlife on Instagram.

What’s happening at Deakin for UMHD 2025

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 #UniMentalHealthDay to share how you look after your wellbeing, support others, or find inspiration. Want to share your experience with the Deakin community? Get in touch – we’d love to feature you on Deakin Life.
• Join a Walk ‘n’ Talk group – It’s the final week for Trimester 1 Walk ‘n’ Talks! Take a short, friendly stroll across campus with our Wellbeing Ambassadors – a great way to clear your head before class.
• Attend a THRIVE online session – get tips to boost your study habits, motivation, and stress management in these bite-sized, research-backed workshops. There’s three sessions left this trimester!
• Download the DeakinWELLBEING app – your all-in-one toolkit to build healthy habits and keep your uni life in balance.
• Try some yoga, meditation or pilates – DeakinACTIVE is running free online sessions right up to the end of T1.
• Join DUSA’s Self Care Week: Recharge with fun events designed to give your mood a lift.

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.
• 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.