The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the topic of mental health to the forefront. Unfortunately, for some, there is a stigma surrounding mental health, and discussions of anxiety, loneliness, homesickness, relationship conflicts and self-care can be difficult and uncomfortable.
This webinar sought to help international students overcome the stigma of mental health, recognise when help and support is needed, and learn ways to approach friends, family and professionals with their feelings. Joined by Linh, an international student lived experience speaker with batyr, Mich Gador-Whyte, Clinical Educator, Research and Translation at Orygen and Neha Manandhar, Senior Coordinator at batyr, we answered some of the most commonly asked questions regarding mental health from international students.
Linh’s lived experience story has been removed from this recording – please visit the batyr website for more information regarding their international student wellbeing programs (VIC students only)
Mental health resources and support services for students
- Lifeline – call 13 11 14
- Kidshelpline – call 1800 55 1800
- eheadspace – call 1800 650 890
- Youth Beyond Blue
- In an emergency, contact your local hospital or ring 000
- Check with your education provider to see what mental health support services are available to you
- Orygen – Responding to the COVID-19 outbreak
- headspace – You can contact your nearest headspace centre for information on services in your area
- headspace: Group Chat – Free, live support sessions (find transcripts of past Group Chat sessions here). If you are an adult family or friend concerned for a young person, transcripts of relevant Group Chat sessions can be found here
- batyr: Being Herd
- batyr: International Students – Free wellbeing programs for students
Understanding anxiety
- headspace: What is anxiety?
- headspace: What is anxiety & the effects on mental health
- Orygen: I’m struggling. What can I do?
Building positive mental health habits
- Orygen: COVID-19 self-care tips
- headspace: Tips for a health headspace
- headspace: Health and wellbeing
- headspace: Learn how to handle tough times to help your headspace
- ReachOut – Here you will find articles on a range of methods for building positive mental health habits, for example, improving sleep
- Insider Guides: How to Feel Connected When You’re Experiencing Isolation
Mental health apps
- ReachOut: Tools and Apps – Use this service to find the perfect tools and apps to help you achieve your goals
- Smiling Mind – Mindfulness app
- headspace Meditation app
- To avoid distraction/negative influence from digital devices, try Cold Turkey or Take Control
