There are many things that cause stress in our daily lives, such as study, finances, work, and family.
When you're feeling overwhelmed, it's important to focus on your wellbeing.
Finding resources to help you improve your physical and mental health and wellbeing is a great first step.
Mental health services directory
If you or someone you care about is distressed, in crisis or needs someone to talk to, help is available. It doesn't matter where you are, you can access the services listed below for confidential, non-judgemental support.
If you need support but are not in immediate danger, there are tools that can help you look after your wellbeing and when you need it most.
You can use the Wellbeing Action Tool to build healthy habits and support your mental health. Learn more or download the tool at www.beyondblue.org.au/mental-health/wellbeing-action-tool.
You can also create a Safety Plan to help you prepare for difficult times and identify strategies that work for you. Learn more at www.lifeline.org.au/get-help/beyond-now or create your plan at beyondnow.lifeline.org.au.
Crisis and recovery
| Gambling Help Online | Counselling and information service associated with problem gambling issues |
| Alcohol and Drug Counselling | 24/7 support service for people impacted by substance use |
| Blue Knot Foundation | Information and support service for people impacted by trauma |
| FriendLine | Volunteer run phone service for people experiencing loneliness and isolation |
| Lifeline | 24-hour crisis and suicide prevention online and phone counselling service |
| Suicide Call Back Service | 24/7 online and phone counselling for anyone affected by suicide |
| 1800 Respect | National domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service |
| GriefLine | National service providing resources and supporting people impacted by grief |
| Say It Out Loud | National online resource website relating to LGBTQA+ relationships |
| Intersex Peer Support Australia | Online advocacy, information and peer support group for Intersex people |
| QBlaq | NSW-based peak organisation supporting First Nations LGBTQSB+ community |
| Qlife | Australia-wide confidential online referral and peer support for LGBTIQ+ people |
| 13 Yarn | National 24-hour crisis support line for First Nations people |
| Esafety Commissioner | Independent government agency for regulating online safety |
| Standby Support After Suicide | 24-hour in-person or telephone support for anyone impacted by suicide |
| Thirrili | NT-based postvention support services for First Nations people |
| Scarlet Alliance | National peak body for Australian sex workers and associated organisations |
| Sexual Assault Crisis Line | After hours crisis support line for Victorians impacted by sexual violence |
| Universities Australia | National peak body for the university sector in Australia |
| The Way Back Support Service | Supporting people in days and weeks immediately after an attempted suicide or experience of suicidal crisis |
Disability and neurodiversity
| Disability Australia Hub | Online resources and information about Australian disability support organisations |
| Disability and Carers | Australian Social Services website for people with disability and carers |
| Women with Disabilities Australia | National advocacy organisation for females and non-binary Australians with disability |
| First Nations Disability Support Australia | National organisation for First Nations Australians with disability |
| ADHD Australia | Nationwide advocacy and support for ADHD |
| Neurodiversity Hub | Digital information and resource platform supporting neurodiversity across Australia |
Health support Information
| Butterfly | Resources for people affected by eating disorders / body image issues |
| LGBTIQ+ Health Australia | National peak organisation providing health support services for LGBTIQ+ people |
| MensLine Australia | 24/7 telephone and online counselling support for men in Australia |
| Medicare Mental Health Centres | Medicare Mental Health Centres are a welcoming and non-judgmental place where everyone can access free mental health information, services, and support |
| Mind Spot | Free online and telephone mental health support for adults |
| TIACS | Australia-wide free telephone counselling support for blue-collar and rural workers |
| Embrace | National mental health support and resource platform for multicultural people |
| PANDA | National helpline to support people with perinatal mental health challenges |
| Headspace | National mental health support service for young people under 25 |
| Reach Out | NSW-based service providing online confidential peer support for young people |
| Kids Helpline | Nationwide 24/7 counselling service for youths aged 25 and under |
| Mindframe | The way we communicate about mental health and wellbeing, mental health concerns, suicide, and alcohol and other drugs (AOD) can have either a positive or negative impact on a person’s life. Our words matter. |
| Nursing & Midwife Health Program Australia | Free, confidential peer support and counselling for nurses, midwives and students facing mental health, stress, substance use, and workplace challenges |
Ways for wellbeing
| MyCompass | Online self-help tool for mild to moderate mental health challenges |
| Smiling Mind | Evidence-based digital mental wellbeing tools |
| Sane Australia | Online resources for people affected by complex mental health challenges |
| Minds Together | Research-based online support for mental health and suicide-related challenges |
| This Way Up | Free research-based online tools for mental wellbeing |
| Beyond Blue | Online resources and support for mental health |
| First In Family | Research-based online resources for first-in-family university students in Australia |
Healthy mind and body
Looking after our mind and our thoughts are just as important as looking after our bodies to stay well. Becoming a university student is a whole new life experience and there may be times when you feel stressed or anxious.
Good nutrition and an active lifestyle boost your immune system and makes you feel good. This helps your mental health by reducing stress and improving your mood and sleep.
There are many apps available for Apple and Android users. Use the ReachOut quiz to help you find suitable tools.
We have put together some information below that includes ideas and resources so that you can look after your wellbeing.
Have you noticed that one of your mates is feeling a bit down or not their usual self? Head over to R U OK to find out how you can help them.
See more ideas and resources below to keep your mind and body healthy:
Meditation
There's no one size fits all with meditation. It’s helpful to have someone guide you through your meditation, especially if you haven’t done it much before. Headspace has some great articles, walk throughs and tips on how to meditate.
There are also a range of free apps that can help you learn - all you need is your phone.
Books
If you're feeling overwhelmed, hit the pause button on studying and find a good book to read. To truly disconnect, sometimes there's nothing better than unwinding and getting lost in a book. There are many self help; health and wellbeing books to read if you want to learn how to manage stress.
Music/podcasts/TedTalks
Not a huge fan of reading? Why not tune into these amazing resources. Grab your headphones and get comfy.
- Spotify have created some relaxing playlists, perfect for when you're feeling a little overwhelmed.
- There is a range of great health and wellbeing podcasts to help you stay healthy and motivated, including ABC's Health and Wellbeing and Apple Podcast's Health and Fitness.
- These TED talks on the importance of self-care also offer simple ways to stay healthy, both emotionally and physically.
Kindness
Being kind to ourselves can be hard. Self-compassion is about accepting that you are human, you are valuable, and you are worthy.
Being self-compassionate can help to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and improve your sense of self and your ability to think positively about a range of situations.
Here are 15 ways to be kinder to yourself today.
Gratitude
Gratitude is being aware of and thankful for the good things that happen in your life and taking the time to express appreciation and return kindness. A gratitude journal can help you keep track of the good things in life. No matter how difficult life can be, it can help to focus on what you're grateful for.
Learn about the benefits and how to start your gratitude journal today.
Nutrition
When you think of improving your mental health, you may not think about changing the food you eat. There is a strong link between what we eat and how we feel. That's why eating a well-balanced diet as per the Australia Dietary Guidelines, is a great way to start.
To save and help you stick to your budget, you could try meal prepping. Check out Eat This Much for all your meal prepping needs.
Exercise
We get it – when you’re feeling stressed or low you probably feel more like watching TV than being active. But it’s often when you least feel like it that you most need it. Being active is essential for both physical and mental health. It doesn’t have to be an extreme workout; it can be as simple as going for a walk or doing some Yoga.
The Australian physical activity and exercise guidelinesprovides information and resources on staying regularly active.
Sleep
Good sleep is like a mental health superpower. When you get enough sleep it's easier to manage your emotions: you have more patience, and you deal with stressful situations better. Also, you reduce your risk of mental health challenges in the future.
The Sleep Foundationhave made it their mission to improve people’s lives through getting a better nights sleep. Check out their page on Good Sleep Habits to start implementing these into your routine.
If you’re struggling with sleep, it might help to practice these mindfulness tips.
Online courses
Medicare Mental Health Check In
Medicare Mental Health Check In offers free digital support to guide you through life's challenges. No referral or diagnosis needed.
They offer free digital programs to help you work on your wellbeing whenever and wherever suits you, using a safe, evidence-based approach to help you manage early mental health concerns or symptoms.
You can do the programs on your own or with support from one of their qualified mental health practitioners. See the link below for more information.
Safer Communities
Safer Communities provides free and confidential support for CDU students who have experienced harm, are feeling unsafe or who are looking for someone to talk to about a situation that doesn’t feel right. We offer a safe, respectful space where support is guided by your choices, at your pace and with your wellbeing at the centre.
Support is also available if you’re worried about someone else’s situation and aren’t sure how to respond or help safely. We understand that conversations about safety, violence and harm can be confronting, so please remember you don’t have to face them on your own.
Our Safer Communities page is a great space to find out more about how we keep our CDU community safe.
Sharing your experience with Safer Communities
We encourage all students and staff to report all instances of violence, including situations that make you feel unsafe. You can choose to share this information anonymously, however this will limit the University's ability to respond to your disclosure and provide you support.
To report gender-based violence you can use the link below:
Darwin medical services
These local medical practices are reasonably accessible by students from the Casuarina University campus (Northern Territory) using public transport.
Top End Medical Centre
Casuarina, Stuart Park, Gateway and Rosebery
Top End Mental Health Service
Emergency Assessment Team
Lifeline Top End (24-hour call)
13 11 14 or 08 8941 2365 (or, if calling from rural area – 1300 13 11 14)
Wellbeing contact numbers
CDU Wellbeing Support Line
Available 24 hours if you need to speak with someone urgently or outside of business hours.
Tel: 1300 933 393
SMS: 0488 884 144
CDU Counselling Service
To make an appointment with a CDU counsellor, visit CDU Counselling for more information.