5 ways to engage with Mental Health Month this October
Mental Health Month is observed in October each year, and reminds us of the importance of looking after our mental health and wellbeing in our day-to-day lives.
It's also a great opportunity to openly discuss and deepen our understanding of mental health, promote empathy for those affected by mental illness, and increase awareness of the tools and services available to help you care for yourself and others.
This year's theme of Mental Health Month is 'we all have a role to play'. Whether we need to take some time to look after our own wellbeing, care for someone close to us, or learn when and where to seek professional help, we all have a part to play in working towards a world free from mental illness stigma.
We've compiled a list of five ways you can engage with Mental Health Month this October – from events on campus to University podcasts, as well as services and resources you can access if you need support.
Listen
| Podcast | What's it about? |
|---|---|
| Sydney Ideas | A curated playlist of mental health discussions from our flagship public talks program, Sydney Ideas. |
| PeerPod | If you haven’t discovered PeerPod yet, we recommend it! The Peer Learning Advisors discuss uni life and it’s a great way to stay connected with your University community. There are new episodes bi-monthly. |
Read
Nourish your body (and mind)
| Event | When/Where | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Breakfast Club | Tuesday's in The Quarter Library and Thursday's in Fisher Library, throughout October | Enjoy a free breakfast from 9 am every Tuesday and Thursday at the Library |
| Bonus Breakfast | Tuesday's from 9 am to 11 am on Level 3 Wentworth Building, throughout October | Free breakfast for USU members, until sold out |
| Bonus Lunch | Thursday's from 11 am at Manning Cantina, Manning Bar, throughout October | Free Mexican street food for USU members, until sold out |
| Bonus Dinner | Wednesday's from 5 pm to 7 pm on Level 3 Wentworth Building, throughout October | Free dinner for USU members, until sold out |
| Coffee & Croissants | 3, 17 and 31 October from 11–12 pm in Fisher Library | Enjoy free coffee and croissants in Fisher Library with Headspace |
| Coffee Cart | 17 October, 9:30 am to 1 pm at J03 Foyers | Enjoy free coffee from the Engineering Faculty |
| Picnic on the Green | 25 October, 11:30 am to 2 pm on Cadigal Green | Enjoy a free BBQ picnic with the Engineering Faculty on Cadigal Green |
| Free fruit | 30 October to 3 November at Peter Nicol Russell (PNR) Building | Swing by PNR and grab some free fruit in Weeks 12 and 13, courtesy of the Engineering Faculty |
Connect
TalkCampus
TalkCampus is a 24/7 peer-support social network designed to improve mental wellbeing by offering a safe space for students around the world to share their struggles and support one another anonymously.
Sonder
Sonder, available to international students, is a smartphone app designed to give you 24/7 access to wellbeing and safety professionals and resources, all at the touch of a button.
Peer Support Advisors
Speak to one of our experienced Peer Support Advisors (PSA), who are current University of Sydney students trained to assist you with a range of academic and wellbeing enquiries.
Family and friends
Reach out to those around you, ask for help and seek support if you need it. Building healthy relationships and staying socially connected are key components to maintaining your wellbeing. Visit the R U OK? website for simple steps you can follow to start a meaningful conversation.
Learn
Brain and Mind Centre
Mental health researchers at the University of Sydney's Brain and Mind Centre share research and useful resources to help better understand mental health. Stay up to date with the latest news, events and resources relating to mental health research.
Matilda Centre
The Matilda Centre for Research in Mental Health and Substance Use offers a range of programs, tools, videos, booklets and factsheets that provide support and information about substance abuse and dependence. Check out the Centre's resource page to skill up and access support.
Additional support services and resources
- WayAhead: mentalhealthmonth.wayahead.org.au
- Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au
- Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au
- Headspace: headspace.org.au
- Head to Health: headtohealth.gov.au
- Lifeline (24 hours): lifeline.org.au or 13 11 14
- R U OK?: ruok.org.au
- This Way Up: thiswayup.org.au
Last updated: 3 October 2023