Mental health concerns

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social wellbeing.

It may affect our mood, thinking and behaviours and over time it can impact on how we handle stress, study, make choices, and relate to others and the environment.

Mental health problems are common and help is available.

What to do

: If you believe someone is an immediate risk to themselves or others, you should call for help as soon as possible.

Off campus

Victoria Police & Ambulance 000 (if someone is injured, violent or armed).

Psychiatric Triage Services (information, assessment and referral).
Footscray Park, Footscray Nicholson and Werribee: 1300 657 259.

Sunshine, Melton, St Albans, City Campus: 1300 874 243.

Lifeline 13 11 14 (telephone crisis counselling).

On campus

Security 9919 6666 (if injured, violent or armed, and 24/7)

Student Wellbeing 9919 5400
: If you have mental health concerns for someone and there is no immediate risk of harm, you can consult or book an appointment with support services.

ON CAMPUS

Book an appointment with Student Counselling on 9919 5400 .

Consult with Safer Community on 9919 5707 or email [email protected] .

Register with Disability & accessibility services for support and resources, call 9919 5400 for an appointment.

OFF CAMPUS

Headspace on 1800 650 890.
: If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health concerns you should seek professional support.

Some suggestions on how to support someone with mental health issues:

If the person is at risk of harming themselves or others, contact Emergency Services (000)

Give the person opportunities to talk.

Speak openly and honestly about your concerns.

Use 'I' rather than 'you' statements to express your feelings.

Respect how the person interprets their symptoms.

Let the person know you want to help and support them.

Treat the person with dignity and respect.

Do not blame the person for their illness.

Listen attentively, encourage the person to speak to you.

Do not tell them to 'snap out of it' or 'get over it'.

Do not belittle or dismiss the person's feelings.

Ask the person if they need help managing how they are feeling.

Discuss help-seeking options.

Encourage and support the person to seek help.

If the person does not want help, respect their decision.

Mental Health First Aid Australia provides advice on how to help someone with a mental illness.