Mental health can mean different things to many people.
We all sit somewhere along the mental health continuum – from struggling through to healthy. Just like the physical body, it is a part of what makes us human. This year’s Mental Health Month theme is ‘Let’s Talk About It’. We encourage you to pause and reflect on your mental health and wellbeing, no matter where you are at in life or what you have experienced.
Spending time with loved ones, doing a hobby, moving your body, talking to someone, or simply taking a moment of self-care can all play a role in keeping you mentally healthy. It’s also knowing that there are support options, and taking the steps to reach out for help when you are struggling.
We’ve got a full calendar of events all October for you to Connect , Make a difference , or Learn and grow
Explore the calendar now so you can ‘talk about it’ this Mental Health Month!
Are you a UNSW staff member? Check out the range of staff-focused events also on offer at Health, Safety & Wellbeing Month.
Explore events based on your goals and interests!
Key: = Connect = Make a difference = Learn and grow
Future in Focus: Contemporary Alumnae Artists
SEP 2024 - MAR 2025
9:00AM - 5:00PM DAILY
Featuring ten women artists, this exhibition at the UNSW Kensington Art Space in Science Theatre invites audiences to explore themes of gender, cultural identity, postcolonialism, and environmental fragility, inviting us to consider how we can shape the future.
Embracing Resilience: Navigating Anxiety and Low Mood (Mandarin)
24 SEP - 8 OCT
2:00PM - 4:00PM
These workshops for international students offer practical tools for managing anxiety and low mood. They aim to improve mental well-being and foster community, while looking at mental health challenges that can get in the way.
Untold Stories Photo Exhibition
1 OCT - 30 OCT
ALL DAY
This lived experience photo exhibition tells the story of UNSW staff and students, and their journey through recovery, in hopes to inspire others. Now presented at UNSW Paddington and UNSW College campuses.
World Mental Health Month with UNSW Fitness & Aquatic Centre
ALL OCTOBER
VARIOUS TIMES
We've made getting your daily exercise easy! Make your move and one-two-step with loads of fitness sessions on offer, to lift your mood and keep you fit this Mental Health Month!
Arc Wellness Events
ALL OCTOBER
VARIOUS TIMES
Join Arc Wellness for Brekky Club and Night-Time Nibbles (free food, anyone?) and their range of pop-ups all over campus this Mental Health Month!
(Daily) Delight~Disrupt
ALL OCTOBER
VARIOUS TIMES
Try out and be a co-creator of (Daily) Delight~Disrupt! Choose a day that speaks to you -- and try out a playful moment for that day.
How To Help A Friend Workshop
TUE 1 OCT
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Have you ever wanted to reach out to a mate but are not sure what to say, let alone how to say it? This workshop gives you the toolkit to support your friends when they need someone to lean on.
Colour Your Mind
2 OCT - 31 OCT
9:00AM - 5:00PM DAILY
Get involved in Colour Your Mind, an open project for students that’s all about having a mindful moment with a sprinkle of colour. Bring the artwork designed by UNSW Alumnus Georgia Norton Lodge to life, ready for display at the Kensington campus!
Public Piano Jam Sessions
2, 16, 23, & 30 OCT
12:00PM - 1:00PM
Stop by to see live performances and be amazed by some of the student talent here at UNSW.
THRIVE Thursdays
3,10,17,24 & 31 OCT
12:00PM - 5:00PM
THRIVE Thursdays at UNSW College are all about making friends and meeting peers. Drop in every week to do a fun activity! Take a break & thrive!
UNSW Health and Wellbeing Pitch Competition
TUE 8 OCT
4:30PM - 6:30PM
Do you have a health tech or out-of-the-box idea to improve student mental health and wellbeing? UNSW Founders invites UNSW and UNSW College students to the Health and Wellbeing Pitch Competition to win cash prizes.
World Mental Health Day @ UNSW
WED 9 OCT
11:00AM - 3:00PM
Take a trip through the mind and body this World Mental Health Day - our biggest event of the month! Plus, 100 students can win the chance to get free soft serve ice cream.
Sprinkle Some Magic: Cupcake Decorating!
WED 9 OCT
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Ready to unleash your inner artist and satisfy your sweet tooth at the same time? Join us at the Main Library to create your edible masterpiece.
World Mental Health Day @ UNSW College!
THU 10 OCT
12:00PM - 2:00PM
Join us and learn how you can THRIVE on World Mental Health Day! Find out what support services are available to you, we will be joined by Acon, Ally Network, Psychology and Wellness and plenty others!
Let's Talk About It - Wellbeing Across Cultures
TUE 15 OCT
1:00PM - 1:45PM
How can we be more culturally sensitive when discussing wellbeing across cultures? Join us to explore this topic during an online panel event presented by UNSW Mental Health Network and Student Minds.
Caffeine, cookies and conversations
WED 16 OCT
2:00PM - 4:00PM
Are you looking for a chill study space with friendly staff available to help you with your questions? Then join us at the Library Study Lounge for a cafe style event.
Breaking the Ice: How to Start Meaningful Conversations
THU 17 OCT
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Struggling to initiate conversations or break the ice? This fun and interactive workshop is your go-to for mastering the art of starting conversations that matter. We’ll explore creative techniques and practical tips to help you feel confident and engaging in any social setting.
Australia Ensemble UNSW 2024 Concert 4
SAT 19 OCT
7:30PM - 9:30PM
This live music event explores how music is so often a response to love. Featuring Glinka’s Trio, Carl Vine’s Strutt Sonata, Elena Kats-Chernin's Blue Silence and Beethoven’s Septet, be moved by themes of passion, love, hope and despair.
Healthy Technology Habits
21 OCT - 4 NOV
2:00PM - 4:30PM
Have you found yourself using technology to fill time rather than as a tool or intentional activity? In this series, Psychology & Wellness counsellors will help you explore both the helpful and unhelpful aspects of your relationship with technology, its effects on attention, and how to develop awareness to assist with change.
Game On! Mentors Meet and Eat
WED 23 OCT
3:00PM - 4:30PM
Need a break to recharge from mid-term exams? Looking to make some new friends? Library Peer Mentors have got just what you’re looking for! Come play games, have some free food and unwind with us.
Invisible Illness and Chronic Health Toolkit - An Education & Design Workshop
THU 24 OCT
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Join us for this interactive workshop to develop a toolkit for understanding invisible illnesses. Many individuals struggle with chronic health conditions, illness and pain that are often misunderstood or overlooked.
Paddington Mindfullness
26 SEP - 24 OCT
1:00PM - 2:00PM
Feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or anxious? We are here to help! Join our free and in-person Mindfulness Workshops where we will share and practice a variety of stress reduction techniques.
Craft-A-Thon
WED 30 OCT
3:00PM - 4:00PM
Library Peer Mentors and Cultural Mentors are back with our famous craft-a-thon! Join us for an afternoon of artsy adventures, a perfect way to de-stress.
Building Skills for Healthy Romantic Relationships
THU 31 OCT
10:00AM - 12:00PM
Ready to enhance your romantic relationships? During this workshop, we will discuss tools and insights to build and maintain healthy relationships by focusing on our conflict style and communication in our relationships.
Thriving as an HDR Candidate
THU 31 OCT
2:00PM - 4:00PM
We invite you to connect with fellow international HDR candidates in a safe and confidential environment where you can openly discuss your challenges.
2024 Culture Awards
THU 31 OCT
5:00PM - 7:00PM
The UNSW Culture Awards celebrates students and societies who contribute to the artistic, cultural and community life right here at UNSW. Presented by UNSW Culture, this event features student performances, and is free for all to attend.
Mental Health Training
How to Help a Friend
This workshop is for students by students, to help you be better able to support your friends.
Recognise & Respond
A subsidised Suicide Prevention training for UNSW students and staff.
Mental Health First Aid
This subsidised training builds you with important skills to support someone experiencing mental-ill health.
Helpful Resources
Workshops with Psychology and Wellness
We offer a range of workshops for different mental health and wellness topics every term.
Mind Hub
All the mental health support resources in one spot for you.
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health
Mental health support for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.
5 Ways to Wellbeing
Five simple and effective ways to improve your psychological and emotional health
Headspace
Helping young people aged 12 to 25, and their family and friends, access vital support through their centres and online and phone counselling services.
Student Support Advisors
Need someone to talk to? You can now book in with a Student Support Advisor via an in-person, phone or online appointment.
What do we mean by mental health?
The World Health Organization defines mental health as 'a state of mental well-being that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community.'
BeyondBlue says it affects how we think, feel and act. It also affects our everyday life, such as our studies, work, and relationships. We can sit anywhere on the mental health continuum. At any point of our lives, this can change depending on different life factors. It’s important to know that we can and should reach out to people we trust, or to a trusted professional who can help us when we are struggling, worrying or feeling low. These feelings are normal, but you don’t need to face them alone.
Psychology and Wellness
If you or someone you know is currently experiencing mental health challenges, you can access professional support through Psychology and Wellness. This counselling service is free for all UNSW students.
TalkCampus
It’s tough being a student, and we know it can be hard to reach out when you need it most. That’s why we’ve launched TalkCampus. An app where you can talk with other students worldwide if you’re struggling, feeling overwhelmed, homesick or just want to feel seen and heard.
UNSW Health Service is also available for mental health support options.
Want to learn more? Book an appointment online or call (02) 9385 5425.
Content context: Our mental health is a part of what makes us who we are. Conversations about our mental health can sometimes be difficult but you don’t need to face it alone. Find the support you need to deal with what’s going on in your mind through services like UNSW’s Psychology & Wellness or through a range of free helplines.
Mental Health Month is coordinated by the UNSW Health Promotion Unit in partnership with students and staff across UNSW. We aim to encourage the UNSW community to build health literacy, capacity skills and lifelong positive changes that will improve their overall health and wellbeing beyond their time at UNSW, as part of our commitment to the UN Mental Health Sustainable Development Goals. Watch our video to learn more about what UNSW is doing in this area.