Mental health, loneliness and emotional support

Toughing it out in silence should not be part of the job

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), nearly three in four people who die by suicide are men. Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics

Being a migrant can add isolation, visa and money pressure, racism and the expectation to support family from far away. Working more, drinking more, anger or disappearing from other people can also be ways distress shows up.

You do not have to protect your family by hiding that you are not okay

Study pressure, living costs, housing, work and loneliness can pile up. Your provider should have support services: ask for “student counselling” or “wellbeing support”.

If what you need is a voice, company or a way back to community

Not everything starts with therapy. Sometimes the first step is an anonymous conversation or finding a nearby place where you can speak your language and meet people.

For the next hour: message one person, move to a safe place where other people are present and choose one call from this page. It does not solve everything; it means you do not have to spend this hour completely alone.

You don't have to work this out alone

If a coworker, a relative or a friend talks about hurting themselves or not wanting to live, take it seriously even if they say it in passing. If there is danger right now, call 000. If it isn't immediate, Lifeline is open 24 hours, including for people who call worried about someone else.

Supporting someone is tiring too. You can call to talk about how it affects you.