Need help now?
Each October, Mental Health Awareness Month is a national reminder to check in with yourself and each other. This year our theme is stronger together, because connection and belonging are among the strongest protections for our mental health.
Each October, Mental Health Awareness Month is a national reminder to check in with yourself and each other. This year's theme is stronger together, because connection and belonging are among the strongest protections for your mental health.
That might be a message to a friend, a morning tea on campus, a club that shares your interests, or a session with a counsellor. Explore this page to find something that works for you.
Stronger when we connect online
Trusted organisations, with things worth reading, watching and listening to.
Content note: some of these films deal with suicide, self-harm, abuse and psychosis. You'll find them on the usual streaming services.
All except I Don't Want to Talk About It are available from Adelaide City Libraries.
Coming soon.
Stronger when we connect in person
What's on this October, groups worth joining, and places to relax when you need a break.
An hour at your lunchtime saves up to three lives. Tell the staff you're part of the Adelaide University community and they'll add your donation to our team.
You'll get a health check at the start of every session, hot food and delicious snacks, and an iron deficiency check every 10 donations.
Not sure it's for you? Find your reason.
Stronger when we connect to support
Pick the question that fits you right now. All our services are free and confidential.
If you'd rather talk to someone outside the University: Lifeline 13 11 14, 24 hours. Kids Helpline (up to 25) 1800 55 1800, 24 hours. QLife, LGBTIQ+ peer support, 1800 184 527, 3:00pm–midnight. Our own crisis and emergency numbers are in the Need help now panel at the top of this page.
You don't need a diagnosis or a crisis to book counselling – most students come with study stress, sleep, relationships, homesickness or feeling flat. Start with a counselling appointment or start a free online course..
Ask them directly and listen without fixing it. You can walk with them to Student Assist, or call the Student Wellbeing and Safety team on 1300 877 903 for advice about someone else. Free Mental Health First Aid training will give you the words for next time. If they're not safe, call Triple Zero (000).
Counselling is free for you too, and using it has no effect on your visa or your enrolment. International Student Support can help with money, housing, family at home and finding students from your region.
Our First Nations student services offer a safe, private and comfortable space to yarn, with dedicated staff and access to culturally safe counselling. 13YARN (13 92 76) is a free 24-hour line staffed by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.
Counselling is available to you by phone or online, and a counsellor visits both campuses during the month. Book through the online booking form and note your campus.
Every counselling appointment can be held online or by phone. If you're outside Australia, tell us when you book so we can talk about the right options for where you are.
Appointments are 50 minutes. The first one is a chance to talk about what's going on and agree what would help – you set the pace. Your personal information and attendance details are not shared outside the team without your consent, except in the rare circumstances set out on the Student wellbeing and safety page. Nothing goes on your academic record.
Student artwork competition
These works were created for a previous Mental Health Awareness Month art competition. Students were asked what mental health looks and feels like to them. Explore these selected pieces with the artist's own words.
