Home Resource SearchEquity CohortsStrategies DevelopmentStudent Art
Definition
Mental health is best understood when it is considered on a continuum (Kitchener, Jorm & Kelly, 2022). It is similar to the different states of disability explained on this page, many people may experience it, but not everyone will have a formal diagnosis or need medical intervention.
“There are different ways of defining the terms ‘mental health’. Some definitions emphasise positive psychological wellbeing, whereas others see it as the absence of mental health problems…It is useful to consider mental health to be a continuum. Where an individual can move along the scales depending on various factors. It can range from good mental health, to having a mental illness…
A mental disorder or mental illness is a diagnosable illness that affects a person’s thinking, emotional state and behaviour, and disrupts the person’s ability to work or carry out other daily activities and engage in satisfying personal relationships. Some people have only one episode of mental illness in their lifetime, while others have multiple episodes and periods of wellness in between. Only a small minority have ongoing mental health problems…The following diagnosis are widely considered as forms of mental illness: depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder” (Kitchener, Jorm & Kelly, 2022, p.4).
Staff members looking for advice or support to help a student can call 02 9348 0085
(9am – 5pm Monday to Friday). This service is staffed by the Mental Health Connect Team.
Below are a range of services to support students experiencing mental ill health.
If you are looking for information, training or research, please use our inclusive resource database linked here.
Please contact [email protected] if you have any link recommendations.
UNSW Mental Health Support
UNSW Mental Health Connect helps students to find the support they need for their mental health, whether that be face-to-face or online. All contact is completely confidential.
batyr
batyr is a preventative youth mental health charity that believes all young people should have the opportunity to lead mentally healthy and fulfilling lives. Through their work in schools, universities and communities across Australia, batyr are improving mental health outcomes for young people and their communities.
Logo used with permission
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue has a range of support services and information for those with mental ill health, for anyone wanting to learn more, or for those that support others.
References
Kitchener, BA., Jorm, AF., & Kelly CM. (2022). Mental Health First Aid Manual (4th ed). Melbourne: Mental Health First Aid Australia.
