1 October 2025

Take steps for your wellbeing this Mental Health Month

It’s the pointy end of T2/S2 – assessments, deadlines and the pressure to keep going. If you’re feeling stressed, stuck or just a little flat, you’re not alone. October is Mental Health Month, and this year’s theme “Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey” is a reminder that wellbeing isn’t a finish line – it’s a series of steps, big and small.

Some steps feel easy, like catching up with a friend over coffee. Others take more effort, like reaching out for support or admitting you need a break. And sometimes you might stumble backwards before moving forward again – that’s part of the journey too. Every step matters.

Spotlight: our new podcast on perfectionism

One step we’re taking is shining a light on perfectionism – something many students struggle with at uni. Our new podcast unpacks what perfectionism looks like (spending hours perfecting an assignment, putting off submissions until they’re “good enough,” or doubting yourself at every turn) and how it impacts both wellbeing and study. If that sounds familiar, give it a listen. It might just help you take the pressure off and move forward with more balance.

Steps you can try this month

Here are a few practical ways to take steps towards your wellbeing this October:

• 👟 Move your body. Exercise doesn’t need to mean a gym session – walking to class, stretching between study blocks, or kicking the footy with friends all count. Movement can boost mood, reduce stress and sharpen focus.

• 💬 Stay connected. Send that “long time no chat” message, drop in on a mate, or share lunch with a classmate. Even short connections can spark a sense of belonging and calm.

• 🍎 Nourish yourself. Keep your body fuelled with regular meals, snacks and plenty of water. If food access is tricky, check out the Nourished@Deakin resources for food relief and nutrition advice.

• 🧘 Take mindful breaks. Try a few minutes of meditation, mindful breathing or journaling to reset. Apps like DeakinWELLBEING make it easy to start with various free, guided meditations available.

• 💤 Protect your sleep. A consistent bedtime, a wind-down routine and less screen time before bed can make a big difference to your mental health and your energy during the day.

• 🌳 Change your scene. Study in the library instead of your room, try a new hobby on the weekend, or explore a local walking track. A shift in environment can refresh your mindset.

Wellbeing looks different for everyone

We also recognise that health and wellbeing can hold different meanings depending on culture, identity and lived experiences.

• For our Indigenous members of the Deakin community, for whom social and emotional wellbeing may hinge on holistic principles and connections beyond Western understandings of mental health and wellbeing, these Deadly Tips offer great advice for staying connected and well.

• For LGBTIQA+ students and allies, unique challenges may affect your mental health and study. See the Deakin website for advice about internal and external support services, and advice for how to support someone who is affirming their gender.

• For culturally diverse students, Beyond Blue provides resources about how culture influences mental health needs and where to find culturally safe support.

Find out more

Visit the Mental Health Month webpage to information, resources and Deakin’s free, confidential support services. However many steps you’ve taken – or if you’re only just starting – this is your reminder that each one matters.