For international students, adapting to a new culture, education system, and way of life can be overwhelming sometimes.
While your education provider and health services offer mental health support, stigma from your home country and the culture in which you grew up may be a barrier to seeking help.
If you’ve ever felt stressed, anxious or sad during your time living in Australia, you’re not alone. Let’s take a look at understanding mental health stigma, how to combat it and where to seek help.
Understanding mental health stigma
‘Stigma’ is defined as a negative set of beliefs that a society or group of people have about a circumstance, quality or person. Mental health stigma is common in many parts of the world. In some cultures, mental health issues like anxiety or depression are either not recognised or dismissed as weakness. Psychologist Dr Smruthy Nair recently told the ABC:
“I come from a culture where you don’t talk about your mental health openly, we seldom express negative emotions… There is a lot of shame and stigma associated with it.”
When there’s a negative belief about mental health, it can discourage you from seeking the help you need. Stigma can lead to feeling isolated and your symptoms getting worse, if you fear you may be judged by friends and family.
Challenging mental health stigma
SBS has reported that international students are less likely to seek help for mental health issues. On top of academic stress and homesickness, you might feel pressure to show that you’re doing well, so you don’t worry your parents. You may feel as though talking about feeling depressed or anxious may bring a sense of shame to your family.
Overcoming stigma starts with listening and education. Learning about mental health conditions and hearing other people’s stories can make it feel normal to talk about these things, and create an environment where it’s okay to speak up about how you’re feeling.
Mental health in Australia
Australia generally takes a progressive approach to mental health, and it is treated as part of a person’s overall wellbeing, just the same as going to the doctor for a physical illness. It’s becoming increasingly normal to talk openly about your mental health struggles.
Seeking professional help is not considered shameful or weak in Australia – it’s often seen as a responsible and proactive step. Mental health professionals like psychologists, counsellors and social workers are trained to help people from all cultural backgrounds.
Support available to international students
There is mental health support out there designed specifically for international students in Australia. Here are some options if you’re not sure where to turn:
Insitution counselling services
Most Australian universities and education providers offer free and confidential counselling for students – chat to your student hub or student services to find out what services you’re able to access.
Phone helplines
Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) have counsellors available to speak to 24/7, and can refer you to other mental health services if needed.
Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC)
Your OSHC health insurance usually covers certain mental health services. Check with your provider to see what’s included.
Professional psychology or counselling
Make an appointment with your GP and ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. This will allow you to see a psychologist for up to ten sessions in a year, with all or some of the cost covered.
You’re not alone – how to take the first step
Mental health issues are common, and it’s okay to talk about how you’re feeling. If you’re struggling, it might feel really hard to say it out loud – but it’s the first step towards feeling better. You could start by telling a trusted friend or classmate, visiting your university’s wellbeing centre, or booking a session with a counsellor, even just to talk things through.
