Student struggles

University can be something of a rollercoaster ride. There are all the highs of new friends, chosen learning, and greater independence, but sometimes university can also be pretty damn stressful.

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What do I need to know?

If you’re a student struggling to stay on top things, you’re definitely not alone. In a recent report conducted by the National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, 3 in 5 Australian university students reported high or very high psychological distress – a figure that’s shockingly high, but not overly surprising.

Students have a whole host of stresses to deal with, including moving away from important support systems, like family and school friends, academic pressure, and financial stress, as well as lack of sleep, exposure to drugs and alcohol, and trying to get by on a poor diet. Students from an ATSI, low socio-economic, rural or international backgrounds are also at greater risk of mental illness or distress than their peers.

How can a professional help me?

Unfortunately, many university students experiencing psychological distress do not seek support. A large proportion fear the stigma associated with seeking mental health support, or don’t fully understand the seriousness of mental illness. If you are a student experiencing distress, it’s important to know that though mental illness is often painful and upsetting, it’s also normal, and seeking support from a professional is one of the most effective steps you can take on your journey to mental well-being. No matter what you’re going through, things can get better. Often, we just need a helping hand along the way.

How does therapy work?

Mental Health professionals have a broad variety of techniques and tools they can use to support you to manage and treat mental illness or distress, and can work with you to create an effective plan to meet your individual needs. Common approaches include developing strategies and skills to manage the symptoms of mental illness and support to identify and address specific triggers or concerns.

We have put together a selection of mental health professionals below, who specialise in working with students. You can also use Radiant’s search tool to explore professionals working close to your home or university, and within your budget.

Meet some of our

student-friendly professionals

UTS

Student Services

“Our counsellors specialise in supporting UTS students through situations that can bring their personal and/or academic life down. Whether you have a complaint, would like an appeal or simply need someone to talk to confidentially, we’re here to help.”

Hamid Dadgostar

Psychologist

“First session is always unpredicatable, but I do all I can to reduce any anxiety that you may experience.”

Sarah Pak

MH Social Worker

My approach to therapy is person-centred, humanistic, strength-based and holistic. Every person is an individual who deserves to be respected and valued as a human-being. It is very important to honour and assist in restoring this state or feelings.

Search for other Professionals

Latest blogs on student struggles

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A small amount of stress can be a good thing, challenging us and forcing us to grow and to exceed previous expectations. However, when the demands on us threaten to overwhelm, it can become more and more difficult to deal with any of them...

Cultivating Self-Compassion

This article was contributed by Tal Schlosser, Director of myLife Psychologists. I recently spent two days with the wonderful Paul Gilbert and Dennis Tirch in an intensive workshop on Compassion Focused Therapy, and I’m now truly inspired to bring compassion even more...

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