Mental Health Month
Recognised nationally each October, Mental Health Month aims to foster ideas and actions that can positively impact our health and wellbeing, including supporting those around us.
In addition to promoting the importance of maintaining strong mental health, Mental Health Month reminds us all to find balance in our everyday lives through activities which promote self-care and connection, and to seek help if we need it.
As part of Deakin’s Student Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy, we are committed to improving the mental health of our students through prevention, response and continuous improvement. Through our Mental Health Month events and activities, we want to help everyone in our University community feel happy, purposeful, included and enabled to achieve their personal and academic goals.
Together we thrive
The theme for Mental Health Month 2026 and World Mental Health Day on 10 October, Together we thrive, recognises that while life can often feel overwhelming, connection remains one of the most powerful ways to support our mental health and wellbeing. When we come together – through small, everyday moments of care, kindness, conversation and connection – we can help each other to truly thrive.
2026 events
Download a free Mental Health Month calendar!
Access your printable Mental Health Month calendar, with tips to support your mental health throughout the month of October.
Support services and resources at Deakin
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Free and confidential counselling
Book an appointment with a Deakin counsellor or ask an anonymous question online.
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Managing social anxiety podcast
University can be challenging for students with social anxiety. This short podcast series will help you navigate those challenges.
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Perfectionism podcast
Perfectionism is the constant drive to meet unrealistically high standards: learn how to shift your mindset.
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Get the DeakinWELLBEING app
Develop better ways to manage stress, improve your resilience and build healthy habits that will assist you to achieve your personal best.
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Lived and Learned
Hear from Deakin students about how they overcame difficult experiences with their mental and physical health and learnt how to thrive.
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Health and Wellbeing topics
Read our self-help articles and discover a range of advice and resources on topics such as anxiety, homesickness and stress.
After hours and external support
Lifeline
Free 24-hour, 7-days-a-week telephone counselling for crisis support and suicide prevention.
PHONE: 13 11 15
Other services: online support chat available 7pm–4am, 7-days-a-week on the Lifeline website.
QLife
Anonymous and free LGBTIQ+ peer support and referral for people in Australia. 3pm–9pm, 7-days-a-week.
PHONE: 1800 184 527
Other services: online support chat available 3pm–9pm, 7-days-a-week on the QLife website.
Beyond Blue
24/7, free, and confidential mental health support for anxiety, depression, and suicide prevention.
https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
PHONE: 1300 224 636
Other services: online support chat available 3pm–12am, 7-days-a-week on the Beyond Blue website.
eheadspace
Free online support for young people aged 12–25.
https://headspace.org.au/online-and-phone-support/
PHONE: 1800 650 890 (3pm–10pm, 7-days-a-week)
Other services: online support chat available 3pm–10pm, 7-days-a-week on the eheadspace website.
13YARN
One-on-one phone yarning opportunity with trained Lifeline Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 24-hours, 7-days-a-week.
PHONE: 13 92 76
Explore mental health
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Mindfulness
Mindfulness can help you manage stress and boost your self-esteem, which will equip you for study success.
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Managing anxiety
Anxiety can be understood as a feeling of worry or stress that does not pass and makes it hard for you to cope with daily life.
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Grief and loss
Grief is a natural, powerful and human response to the loss of someone or something close to us.
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Homesickness
When you move away from home, it is normal to have feelings of homesickness as you adjust to your new life.