This list of online resources may help you explore different aspects of your physical, emotional, social and psychological wellbeing.

If you are finding it difficult to cope, or are unsure about things and would like to talk to someone in confidence, please contact Counselling services.

Please note: some resources may also change in their availability, functionality or content over time.

Disclaimer

VU is not responsible for any consequences or actions resulting from use of these resources.

It's your responsibility to consider your own personal circumstances and consult with a mental health professional if required.

Student Mental Health Plan (2022–2024)

Victoria University is focused on improving student success and retention through the implementation of strategies to address the challenges students face during their study life. The Student Mental Health Plan (2022–2024) supports this focus by ensuring students and staff are aware of and can engage with services that support mental wellbeing.

The Student Mental Health Plan (2022–2024) provides a central framework that clearly illustrates our university-wide commitment to promoting positive student mental health and reducing the stigma associated with mental ill health. It is inclusive of all students in higher education and vocational education, regardless of mode or location of study.

Read the Student Mental Health Plan (2022–2024).

The COVID-19 pandemic & looking after ourselves

The COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact our mental health and wellbeing, and for many of us the socio-psychological impacts will be felt long-term.

Please reach out to the below free supports:

  • Call VU Counselling 9919 5400 to book a free confidential telephone counselling appointment (video counselling coming soon). VU Counselling can help you manage study and personal issues including the emotional impact of COVID-19.
  • VU Elevenses: Short, on demand videos (less than 15 minutes) to support and provide 'mini interventions' to help through this difficult time. Playlists include stress management, physical activity, healthy eating and others.
  • Call 000 in an emergency.
  • Lifeline Phone:  13 11 14 for support if you are experiencing a personal crisis or have suicidal thoughts.  Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • Beyond Blue Coronavirus Mental Wellbeing Support Service Phone: 1800 512 348 for information, advice and strategies to help you manage your wellbeing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • Kids Helpline 1800 551 800 if you are under 25 years of age or younger.  Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • Suicide Call Back Service: Phone: 1300 659 467 for immediate, professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide.  Operates 24 hours per day, 7 days a week.
  • 1800Respect Phone:1800 737 732  if you are impacted by sexual assault or family violence and abuse. 
  • National Coronavirus Helpline 1800 020 080 if you are seeking information on COVID-19.

 

How to be resilient - Transcript

Study issues

Relationships & sexuality

Domestic/family violence

Forced marriage/slavery/exploitation

Sexual assault, sexual harassment & rape

Apps
  • Daisy – connects women who are experiencing or have experienced sexual assault, domestic and family violence to specialist services in their state and local area, legal services, housing and finance services, and children’s services.

Child sexual abuse

  • Bravehearts - information, resources, support and counselling for those affected by child sexual abuse
  • Blue Kno - referral database providing support and information for adult survivors of child sexual assault

Stalking

LGBTIQA+

  • QLife - advice and support for people with diverse gender or sexuality
  • Switchboard - telephone counselling and support service for the LGBTQI community

Sexual health

Sexuality

Relationship difficulties

Separation

Separation apps
  • Breakup Shakeup - ideas for fun, easy things to do to help you cope after a breakup. The app teaches you that planning activities and increasing your social support will help you recover faster.

Grief & loss

Bullying

Safety apps

bSafe - is a personal safety app designed to keep you and your friends safer 24/7. It’s packed with features for both everyday safety and real emergencies, making it the ultimate safety tool.

Making friends & building a social life

Shyness & social anxiety

Social skills apps

Youper – overcome social anxiety and shyness

Mental health

Websites

Online programs

  • Mental Health Online - internet-based treatment clinic catering for a range of anxiety disorders.
  • MoodGYM - free therapy program to help prevent depression
  • MindSpot - online assessment and treatment for depression and anxiety
  • eCentreClinic - free courses to help with a range of mental health concerns, including OCD, PTSD or symptoms of depression
  • This Way Up - a range of fee-paying online programs to deal with a range of anxiety issues including generalised anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, OCD, PTSD and health anxiety
  • e-couch - self-help interactive program for depression and anxiety
  • OnTrack - free courses, information, quizzes and advice for depression and alcohol misuse
  • myCompass - self-help cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) programs for mild-to-moderate depression, anxiety and stress
  • Centre for Clinical Interventions - a series of modules containing information, activities, worksheets, and CBT strategies to manage depression

Apps

Wellbeing