Life can bring plenty of change and uncertainty. Whether it’s study pressures, the cost of living, relationships, work or thinking about what comes next, it’s normal to sometimes feel like things are outside your control.

This Mental Health Week, the focus is on recognising what is within our control – the everyday tools, habits, boundaries and supports that can help us look after our mental wellbeing and face challenges with greater resilience and optimism.

At Murdoch, Mental Health Week is a reminder to check in with yourself and those around you. You don’t need to have everything figured out. Small actions can help you feel more grounded and supported, particularly during busy or uncertain times.

Focus on what you can control

With exams and assessments approaching, now is a good time to think about the small things you can do to support your wellbeing:

• Take regular breaks from study
• Get enough sleep and stay active
• Spend time with people who make you feel supported
• Set healthy boundaries
• Ask for help when you need it

Taking control doesn’t mean doing everything on your own. Knowing when to ask for support, and supporting others when they need it, is an important part of looking after your mental health.

What’s Happening on Campus?

Visit The Den for cuddles with our wellbeing dogs, free tea, games and craft activities throughout the week. Don't forget to join The Den's events to support your mental health and help you connect with community:

• From Stress to Stillness (meditation) - Monday 5 Oct, 12:30 pm -1:15 pm
• Exams 101 workshop by PAC - Wednesday 7 Oct ,12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
• Self Care Slay workshop facilitated by LUMA - Thurs 8 Oct, 1pm - 2pm

Full event details are available on myMurdoch student portal or follow denfriends.murdochuni on Instagram for regular updates.

Support Services – You’re Not Alone

Murdoch offers a wide range of confidential and free support services for students:

• Murdoch University Counselling Service: Free, short-term counselling for enrolled Murdoch students. 
• Murdoch University Caladenia Clinic: Free confidential counselling and Creative Arts Therapies services
• Murdoch University Medical Service: A multidisciplinary team that helps support health and wellbeing through nurse and GP consultations, including prescriptions, immunisations, sexual health screening, healthy lifestyle consults, and mental health care plans and referrals. 
• The Den and International Café: Drop-in Monday to Friday from 10am-2pm for social connection, free wellbeing activities, or just come to talk to our friendly staff about where to get support on campus. 
• Murdoch University After Hours Wellbeing Line: Just because the university is closed, doesn’t mean your mental health and wellbeing are put on hold. You’re not alone. Free, confidential phone support outside business hours, giving students around-the-clock access to mental health support. Call 1300 806 852  or text 0489 983 445

There are external providers who can help support you, including:

• Guild Student Assist: Providing financial and rent assistance, accommodation support and a Food Bank. 
• Lifeline: Call 13 11 14 
• Samaritans Youth Line: Call Helpline 134 247 or call Youth line 1800 198 313 
• Qlife: Call 1800 184 527 (3pm – Midnight every day) 
• 13YARN: 13 92 76
• 1800RESPECT: 1800 737 732
• Sonder (international students only)
• A range of other support services are also available. Find out more here.