Published: 6th October 2023
Amid mounting assignment deadlines, upcoming exams, and the persistent challenges of the cost-of-living crisis, it is crucial to prioritise our mental health.
Taking care of our mental health gives us the strength and clarity needed to handle stress and make wise decisions. It also helps us to effectively manage stress and anxiety – and identify when we need to seek support. Prioritising our mental wellbeing fosters self-compassion, empowering us to face difficulties with resilience, build strength and face challenges with determination.
What is happening at Murdoch during Mental Health Week?
A range of events and activities are on offer throughout Mental Health Week to help you focus on your mental wellbeing. We encourage you to come along and join in:
- Monday, 9 October: Meditation and Cacao at the Den
- Monday, 9 October: Free Yoga On at the Den
- Tuesday, 10 October: Conversational workshop on how to help a friend who is struggling and an essential oils workshop. Healthy snacks will be provided.
- Wednesday, 11 October: Make a friendship bracelet at the International Cafe from 12-1pm.
- Wednesday, 11 October: Farm animals at the International Cafe 11am-1pm.
- Thursday, 12 October: Sound healing at the Den
- Thursday, 12 October: Crafternoons with Masters of Creative Arts Therapy Students.
- Thursday, 12 October: Stop by the Access, Wellbeing and Equity stall at Market Daze for self-care gift bags and take part in the wellbeing mailbox activity. Share motivational words, self-care tips, or any uplifting messages on specially designed wellbeing-themed postcards. Then drop your postcard into the mailbox and take another postcard from the collection. It's a beautiful way to spread positivity and self-care within our community.
Mental health support services
Part of helping others is about learning how to help ourselves, and it’s important to ensure our own minds are mentally healthy before we try to help those around us.
To look after your own mental health, it is important to know what resources are available to you. Murdoch offers students:
- Murdoch University Counselling Service: Free, short-term counselling for enrolled Murdoch students.
- 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.
- Caladenia Counselling: Affordable general counselling for students, staff and the general public provided by trainees under supervision.
- The Den and International Café: Drop-in Monday to Thursday 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.
- Guild Student Assist: Providing financial and rent assistance, accommodation support and a Food Bank.
There are external providers who can help support you, including:
