Mental Health >> Depression, Anxiety & Loneliness
Depression, Anxiety & Loneliness
ft. Antonio
Antonio is an international student who has been feeling persistent sadness and anxiety since arriving in Australia. Studying in a second language adds academic pressure, while loneliness and missing family and culture make adjustment harder. Although he has considered counselling, worries about his visa have made him hesitant to seek help.
Antonio’s main challenges include:
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Ongoing feelings of sadness, anxiety, and low energy.
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Academic stress made heavier by studying in English.
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Loneliness and difficulty making new friends.
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Missing family, culture, and familiar support systems.
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Fear that seeking counselling could affect visa status.
Sometimes I think about going to counselling, but I’m scared it could affect my visa. I don’t know who I can ask for help.
Mental Health Support Services in Victoria
University counselling services
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Free and confidential support provided by your university.
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Help with stress, study problems, and personal or emotional issues.
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Sessions are usually short-term and safe.
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Available through Student Services or Wellbeing Centres.
External mental health support
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Lifeline (13 11 14) – 24/7 crisis support.
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Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – depression and anxiety support.
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Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800) – support for ages 5–25.
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SANE Australia (1800 187 263) – complex mental health support.
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Headspace – youth mental health services online and by phone.
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ReachOut – online tools and mental health apps.
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SuicideLine Victoria (1300 651 251).
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Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).
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MensLine Australia (1300 78 99 78).
Culturally familiar services
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Services that understand your language and cultural background.
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Interpreters, multilingual resources, and culturally respectful care.
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Examples include Multicultural Health Connect, Embrace Multicultural Mental Health, and the Centre for Multicultural Youth.
LGBTIQ+ inclusive services
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Safe and inclusive support for LGBTQIA+ students.
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Support for sexuality, gender identity, and discrimination-related stress.
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Examples include Switchboard Victoria, Transgender Victoria, and the Zoe Belle Gender Collective.
