Student support during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live. Things that used to be familiar to us: going to Uni, catching up with friends, going to work, playing sports (and even holidays) all feel a little different now. Financial worries and uncertainty about the future can add increased pressure. Under these circumstances, it is normal to feel lonely, anxious, overwhelmed, confused, sad or unmotivated.

These feelings can take their toll, and we all need to take the time to care for ourselves and to look out for our friends and family and colleagues. There are free services that can help you cope with these feelings.

Recommended Self-Help Resources and Events

We offer a range of services including self-help resources that you can access right now as an offshore student. These resources can access by both offshore and onshore students as these are available through online apps. In addition, log in to Moodle just as you do to access your units of study for various other support services, events and webinars.

Podcasts and Webinars

Apps

Smiling Mind is a free mindfulness meditation app developed by psychologists and educators to help people balance their lives by looking after their mental health, and manage the pressure, stress, and challenges of daily life.

Stop, Breathe & Think is a personalised meditation and mindfulness app that helps you develop skills to manage life’s ups and downs. It invites you to check in with your emotions, and recommends short guided meditations customised to how you feel. Foundational meditations are free, and there are additional activities and features for a paid subscription.

The Check-In is a free app developed by beyondblue for anyone who wants to check in with a friend whom you are worried or concerned about. It guides you through four steps on how you could plan a conversation, and give you advice on next steps.

MoodMission is a free app designed to empower you to overcome low moods and anxiety by discovering new and better ways of coping. When you tell MoodMission how you’re feeling, it will give you a tailored list of 5 Missions (evidence-based activities and mental health strategies) that can help you feel better.

Useful websites and resources

  1. The Conversation 7 science - based strategies to cope with coronavirus anxiety
  2. Beyond Blue Finding a place inside that feels calm and safe
  3. Australian Government – Department of Health - Head to health – COVID-19 Support

Head to Health (H2H) is a website by the Australian Department of Health that aims to help people find good mental health and wellbeing information, resources, and links to online and phone mental health services. These are hand-picked from Australia’s leading health providers, together in one place. It supports people seeking help – either for themselves or someone they care about.

beyondblue is an organisation that provides information, and support for, depression, anxiety, and suicide prevention. Their website contains information, resources, and services for depression.

The Black Dog Institute has up to date information and resources on mental illness, online self-testing, current treatments and wellbeing. The institute aims to reduce the incidence of mental illness and the stigma around it, actively reduce suicide rates, and empower everyone to live the most mentally healthy lives possible.

headspace is the national youth mental health foundation dedicated to improving the wellbeing of young Australians (12 – 25 years). Their website provides information and resources on mental health, physical health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug services. Support for young people and their family and friends can be accessed through this website including finding a local headspace centre, online/phone counselling service eheadspace, and the Digital Work and Study Service.

Reachout is Australia’s leading online mental health and wellbeing organisation for young people and their parents. Their website offers practical support, tools and tips to help young people get through anything from everyday issues, tough times, mental health issues, relationships, identity, wellbeing or helping others.

Sane Australia is a national charity helping all Australians affected by mental illness. Their website provides straightforward and concise information about mental health and illness including treatments, support, how you can help yourself or someone you care about.