Mental health and wellness
There's a lot to manage during your time at university: finding a balance between work and study commitments, keeping up with readings and participating in extra-curricular activities like mooting and volunteering – not to mention trying to stay healthy with team sports or regular exercise. Then there's also keeping your cupboards stocked with something other than mi goreng instant noodles.
If you're feeling exhausted, ineffective, isolated or overwhelmed, please reach out. Help is available on and off campus to support you through your law degree.
Resources at UQ
Self-help
Learn self-help strategies to help improve your mental health, personal relationships and physical health – and recognise when it's time to make the call to seek help.
Counselling
All current UQ students can access 10 free counselling sessions each year. We offer a range of options for counselling sessions. You can also join programs to improve your physical and mental health like yoga, meditation and healthy relationship workshops.
UQ Psychology Clinic
The UQ Psychology Clinic offers psychological assessment and therapy services to people of all ages. The provisional psychologists are here to improve the mental and emotional wellbeing of people who are experiencing difficulties in their lives. Psychological therapy allows the person to focus on and discuss their concerns in a supportive, non-judgemental and confidential environment.
Health and wellbeing
These programs are not exclusive to law. Discover what's on offer through UQ's Health and Wellbeing programs and be an advocate for your friends outside the Law School. There's the Mental Health Champions Network, Student Life workshops and much more.
Crisis support
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis, you can get help at any time of day or night.
External resources
If the thought of asking for help at university causes you distress, reach out to one of these organisations. These services provide counselling for a range of issues, community groups to help build your social networks and a learned and friendly ear just to listen.
If you need to get some perspective on your study, want to learn more about understanding yourself or gain some insight on how to deal with stressful situations, many of these resources offer useful articles and digital tools to help you monitor your wellbeing.
Guides and downloadable resources
Wellbeing tips and tricks guide
The Australian Law Students' Association has collected this advice from firsthand experience to help you managing clerkships, exams and dealing with grades
Maintaining your mental health and wellbeing while studying
Are you looking for an easy to follow framework to proactively manage your wellbeing? This guide from the College of Law helps you to manage your studies during stressful periods, teaches you to protect your wellbeing in everyday life and provides pathways to seek help.
Signs of stress
If any of these issues are affecting your ability to focus, study or enjoy your downtime, it could be worthwhile adding some new techniques to your mental health toolbox.
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle tension
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Tiredness
- Lack of motivation
- Difficulty concentrating
- Change in eating habits
- Increased use of alcohol or other drugs
- Unhealthy eating and decreased level of exercise.