Mental Health Month
Taking Steps on your Wellbeing Journey
🧠 Welcome to Mental Health Month
Every October at UNSW, we celebrate Mental Health Month to take the time to check in with ourselves and consider our mental health and wellbeing, regardless of lived experience.
Our experiences, actions, thoughts and behaviours around mental health are all different. The 2025 theme was "Taking Steps on Your Wellbeing Journey". Get involved in our events – they aim to inspire students like you to try something new to support your mental health and wellbeing.
Mental Health Month also reminds us:
- To notice if you're feeling different than your usual self
- That asking for help is a sign of strength
- It's okay to reach out to a friend or to a certified professional.
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Mental health is “a state of mental wellbeing that enables people to cope with the stresses of life, realise their abilities, learn well and work well, and contribute to their community” (World Health Organization).
You can consider mental health as a continuum. It affects how we think, feel and act, and influences our sense of self, studies, work and relationships. Our mental health can change along this continuum from week to week through to any point of our lives, depending on different life factors – big or small.
Mental health problems often happen when we’re struggling. For example, when we’re feeling low, highly stressed or worried. It’s normal to feel up and down sometimes and there are tools and things we can do to actively support our mental health. But when it starts to have a significant impact on our lives, it’s time to ask for help.
Mental illness or mental health disorders are clinically diagnosable illnesses that can affect someone’s emotional state or behaviour and has a significant impact on their ability to function, meaning to live, work or play. It’s important to note that clinical diagnoses require diagnosis from qualified health professionals.
There are different support options available at any level of the continuum that you are on.
🗓️ Get involved in Mental Health Month
Ready to dive in? Mental Health Month is on all October every year. Join us for workshops, mental health training, panels, community days and much more, on Kensington campus and online.
Events align with one or more of six focus areas: Be Aware; Keep Learning; Nourish; Connect; Be Active; Help Others. You can make every step count on your wellbeing journey. Stay tuned for more workshops, mental health trainings, talks, World Mental Health Day and much more in October 2026.
Special projects from Mental Health Month
Untold Stories
A lived experience storytelling project where UNSW students and staff share their personal experiences and journey to recovery to help and inspire others going through similar experiences.
The ME in Mental Health
A digital visual art exhibition showcasing the unique mental health journeys of UNSW students. This online exhibition aims to help destigmatise mental illness in our UNSW community.
Are you or someone you know experiencing gendered violence?
Help is available for you and fellow students if you have been affected by, witnessed, or are supporting someone experiencing sexual assault, relationship violence, coercive control or sexual harassment.
The Gendered Violence Response Team (GVRT), made up of specialist mental health clinicians, can offer support, information, safety planning, or simply have an informal chat about your options. They can connect you with services for academic adjustments and provide guidance on reporting incidents. You can also report anonymously using the Gendered Violence portal.
📞 UNSW After Hours Mental Health Support Line
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health challenges after hours, you can access professional support by calling 9385 5418 between 5pm and 9am, Monday to Friday, or any time on weekends and public holidays. You can also text 0485 826 595.
This counselling service is free for all currently enrolled UNSW students.
💬 TalkCampus
A handy app where you can talk with other students worldwide if you're struggling, feeling overwhelmed or homesick, or just want to feel seen and heard. It's free, anonymous and available 24/7.
Short wellbeing courses are also available.
📞 Medibank 24/7 Mental Health Support Line
Medibank health insurance holders, including students with overseas health cover (OSHC), can get professional support and guidance at any time. Call 1800 644 325 or chat online.
Need more support? We’re here to help.
Whether you're feeling unwell, overwhelmed or unsure where to turn, support is always available at UNSW.
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If you or someone else are in immediate danger or need urgent medical or psychological help, please seek emergency support right away.
This includes contacting emergency services (000), attending your nearest hospital or using after-hours crisis lines.
If you require emergency support while you're on campus, access our 24/7 services below.