7 ways to boost your mental health

We get it – uni can be hard. Readings pile up, assignments keep on coming, and by the time exams rear their ugly heads, your bloodstream is probably 90 per cent coffee. But while a little bit of stress is normal, feeling constantly overwhelmed, anxious or sad is not. And although it’s important you get help if you’re feeling off, it’s not always easy to reach out. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you! Read on for resources designed to get you back on track as soon as possible.

UTS Counselling

The folks over at UTS Counselling are experts in student mental health, and can help you with everything from choosing the right course to managing stress and emotion in your studies. The best news of all? Their services are generally free!

UTS Psychology Clinic

The UTS Psychology Clinic is a not-for-profit teaching and research clinic that provides quality services to the community at a low cost.

Our broad range of adult and child services is provided by Provisional Psychologists in their final years of training (Year 5 and Year 6) under the supervision of highly experienced registered Clinical Psychologists and Neuropsychologists.

We are currently available for telehealth appointments via a secure video conferencing platform Coviu.

Appointments can be arranged by phoning 9514 7339 (Tuesday to Friday 12.00pm to 5.00pm) or emailing clinicalpsychology.clinic@uts.edu.au

Students are able to access the concession fee of $12.50 per session for therapy services.

UTS Respect.Now.Always

Any member of the UTS community can report a sexual assault incident at any time, regardless of when or where it happened. You can get support from a UTS counsellor, or you can report it anonymously. UTS takes sexual assault seriously, so know that you don’t have to suffer in silence.

UTS Ally Program

LGBTQIA+ students are at higher risk of mental health issues – that’s why the Ally Program exists! Official UTS Allies are safe people to seek assistance from and are trained to speak out against discrimination if you can’t. Track down an Ally.

UTS Accessibility Service

If you’re living with a disability, medical or mental health condition, the Accessibility Service is for you. These folks can help you with exam provisions and general support, making your time at uni that little bit easier.

batyr@UTS

batyr is a mental health organisation designed to empower young people to seek help. At UTS, batyr executives run regular events, online and on-campus, showing you how to reach out and help yourself and others. Keep an eye on their Instagram for upcoming events!

UTS Self-Help Resources

The kind people over at UTS Counselling have put together not one, but 18 self-help guides, dealing with everything from overcoming procrastination to understanding gender. For the answers to all your questions, head over to their website today.

Other resources

TalkCampus app

If the thought of talking to someone face-to-face is a bit too much to handle, check out the TalkCampus app. All current UTS students get free access to the online wellbeing and mental health peer support network, where you chat to other students about how you're feeling and build support networks worldwide. It's available 24/7, meaning you can reach out whenever you feel like it.

UTS Students’ Association

Whether you need legal help, want to join a collective or have lost your calculator, the Students’ Association can help you out. This student-run organisation provides all kinds of free information and services for UTS students, making your time here that little bit easier. 

Need help outside UTS?

Call 000 if you or someone else is in immediate danger. Otherwise, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14 for 24/7 counselling and support. 

If phone calls aren’t your thing, log onto eHeadspace from 9am to 1am to chat to a clinician. For more, the UTS Equity and Diversity Unit has a comprehensive list of mental health services – check it out.

Worried about someone else?

It’s not always easy for people with mental health issues to ask for help. If you think a friend or loved one needs help, check out the Black Dog institute or Headspace for support. And remember, the people who need help often seem the happiest – so regularly check in with all of your friends!

Still feeling frazzled? 

Try meditation – the free Smiling Mind app is perfect for students. There are also specialised services available for LGBTQIA+ and Aboriginal students. 

The moral of the story?

You’re never alone! Reach out today and get your health back on track.