Image by Gordon Johnson from Pixabay

  • Apekshya Devkota

Every year thousands of international students come to Australia, wishing to gain high-quality education and make the most out of their student life. According to the Australian government statistics in 2018, nearly 900,000 international students enrolled in Australia and the number is increasing every year.

This large population of international students often experience mental health issues due to various reasons, homesickness being one of the major sources of stress. Very often cultural shock, language barriers, racism, loneliness, the pressure to succeed and financial burdens add to it. And unfortunately, sometimes these stress and burdens lead students to suicide.

According to statistics between the years, 2009-2015 more than 27 international students committed suicide. But even today no data is collected on suicide rate by ethnicity, so we do not know where else this happening.

But this needs to come to an end. And for that, international students need to look after each other, care for each other, uplift each other, and create a positive environment everywhere we go. We never know what is going on inside a person's mind and a simple genuine conversation can change a lot inside them.

If you are anyone that’s going through a tough time or you know someone who is having a hard time pay close attention to the warning signs.

  • • Find someone to talk to,
  • • Take a short break from work and studies, go out with people who you loving spending time with,
  • • Read something that you wanted to read for a long time, watch a funny movie
  • • Do something you always wanted to do, do things that make you truly happy.

And if none of of these seem to work don’t be afraid to seek professional help.

There is nothing wrong with seeking professional help for mental wellbeing, no matter what cultural background you are from.

Signs and symptoms may include:

  • • Feeling sad or down
  • • Confused thinking or reduced ability to concentrate
  • • Excessive fears or worries, or extreme feelings of guilt
  • • Extreme mood changes of highs and lows
  • • Withdrawal from friends and activities
  • • Significant tiredness, low energy or problems sleeping
  • • Detachment from reality (delusions), paranoia or hallucinations
  • • Inability to cope with daily problems or stress
  • • Trouble understanding and relating to situations and people
  • • Problems with alcohol or drug use
  • • Major changes in eating habits
  • • Sex drive changes
  • • Excessive anger, hostility or violence
  • • Suicidal thinking

Sometimes symptoms of a mental health disorder appear as physical problems, such as stomach pain, back pain, headaches, or other unexplained aches and pains which should not be ignored.

Prevention

There's no sure way to prevent mental illness. However, if you have a mental illness, taking steps to control stress, to increase your resilience, and to boost low self-esteem may help keep your symptoms under control. Follow these steps:

  • • Pay attention to warning signs. Work with your doctor or therapist to learn what might trigger your symptoms. Make a plan so that you know what to do if symptoms return. Contact your doctor or therapist if you notice any changes in symptoms or how you feel. Consider involving family members or friends to watch for warning signs.

  • • Get routine medical care. Don't neglect checkups or skip visits to your primary care provider, especially if you aren't feeling well. You may have a new health problem that needs to be treated, or you may be experiencing side effects of medication. Further, it is free under most health insurance.

  • • Get help when you need it. Mental health conditions can be harder to treat if you wait until symptoms get worse. Long-term maintenance treatment also may help prevent a relapse of symptoms.

  • • Take good care of yourself. Sufficient sleep, healthy eating, and regular physical activity are important. Try to maintain a regular schedule. Talk to your primary care provider if you have trouble sleeping or if you have questions about diet and physical activity.


If you or anyone you know needs help: