University life can be exciting, but let’s be honest—it can also be overwhelming. If you’re going through a rough patch, remember: It’s okay to ask for help, and you’re not alone. At Curtin, there’s a wide range of mental health support services available to help you manage the ups and downs of student life, whenever you need it.
Asking for help is a strength
One of the biggest barriers to seeking help is the stigma around mental health. It’s common for students to feel like they need to have it all together, but the truth is: no one has everything figured out.
Struggling with stress, anxiety or any other mental health issue doesn’t mean you’re failing. It just means you’re human. Asking for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a sign of strength. The ability to recognise when you need support and reaching out for assistance is an essential part of knowing how to take care of yourself.
What support does Curtin offer?
We are committed to making sure you have the support you need to thrive, both academically and personally. Here are some of the mental health support services available on campus:
1. Psychology and Counselling Services
Sometimes, certain issues are hard to discuss with your family, friends or work colleagues. Our Psychology and Counselling Service is available for you to reach out to one of our counsellors to help resolve problems and prevent future issues from developing.
To learn more about Psychology and Counselling, visit our website.
2. Wellbeing Advisory Service
If you’re struggling with a study or personal issue, or you just don’t know where to go or who to ask, our Student Wellbeing Advisors can help. Our service is free and confidential for all Curtin students. The team work with you to resolve your issue or source other relevant information and assistance. Sometimes, just talking to someone who understands can make a huge difference.
Learn more about our Wellbeing Advisory Service.
3. Group programs and workshops
If you feel comfortable speaking in a group, Curtin’s Psychology and Counselling service offer free support in group settings on a range of topics including anxiety skills development, dealing with depression, ADHD support groups and a host of other topics.
Learn more about group programs and workshops.
4. Online resources
We understand that sometimes it’s hard to make the first move and speak to someone face-to-face. That’s why they offer a variety of online resources, including self-help tools, videos and information, to help you manage stress, improve sleep, and develop coping strategies. These resources allow you to explore mental health topics in your own time and at your own pace.
5. Student Assist
Student Assist is the Curtin Student Guild’s free support and advocacy service. Student Assist officers are unbiased, confidential, and are independent of the University. The team offers non-academic assistance and can support you with a variety of issues including relationship matters, wellbeing, safety and more.
Learn more about Student Assist.
5. Safer Community Team
The Safer Community Team offer 24-hour service, every day of the year to the Bentley, Technology Park, CBD and Kalgoorlie campuses. For non-life-threatening emergencies and general security (Curtin Perth and Curtin Kalgoorlie campuses), call 4444 from an internal Curtin phone or (08) 9266 4444 from an external or mobile phone.
For more information, visit the Safer Community Team’s website.
For more information about emergencies and after-hours help, visit our website.
When should you ask for help?
You don’t need to wait until things get bad to seek support. Mental health is just as important as physical health, so think of counselling or support services as preventative care, like a regular check-up for your mind. If you’re feeling stressed, overwhelmed, anxious, or even just out of balance, that’s the perfect time to reach out.
Signs you might benefit from support include:
- Constantly feeling overwhelmed or stressed
- Difficulty focusing on your studies
- Changes in sleep patterns or appetite
- Feeling lonely, isolated, or homesick
- Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Taking the first step can be intimidating, but we are here to support you. If you’re feeling low, know that it’s perfectly okay to ask for help when you need it. Don’t hesitate to reach out—your wellbeing matters.
Mental Health Week is a celebration dedicated to raising awareness about mental wellbeing, encouraging social connection, reducing the stigma around mental health and promoting prevention strategies to keep our communities healthy.
Learn how to support a friend
To learn more about how you can reach out and support a friend experiencing mental health challenges, visit RightByYou, a mental health resource and website designed by young people for young people.
Learn how to #chatsafe
Access the #chatsafe guidelines to learn how to communicate safely online about self-harm and suicide.
