Counselling and Psychological Services (CAPS)

Postgraduate orientation workshop

Stress management and Resilience Building

supporting journeys to wellbeing

Juan Chen

Clinical Psychologist

CAPS

Common Challenges faced by postgraduate

International students

• High academic demand

• Cultural and language differences

• Adjustment difficulties

• Interpersonal relationship stresses

• Communication challenges (supervisors/colleagues)

• After Postgraduate study… Where to then

Signs of stress

• Increased anxiety & worry

• Increased frustration, impatience, and anger

• Difficulty concentrating

• Fatigue and physical health problems

• Sleep difficulties

• Problematic eating

• Loss of interest and motivation to study

• Withdrawal & Isolation from others

• Negative and pessimistic view of self and future

Strategies for managing stress

• Realistic expectation and goal

• Relaxation/Time out

• Physical exercises

• Eat a balanced and nutritious diet

• Get enough Sleep

• Maintain connection with others (family, friends, classmates, etc.)

• Balance needs and demands from others (Learn to communicate assertively)

• Positive self-talk/affirmation

• Ask for help

Common barriers to ask for help

• Lack of information about how/where to ask for help

• Stigma attached to mental health issues

• Cultural and language differences in understanding mental health

• Worries about financial cost

CAPS Services

FREE & CONFIDENTIAL

• Individual Counselling

• Workshops

• Self-help resources

• Special Consideration

• Referral to other relevant services

CAPS CONTACT

Kensington campus

Open hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Phone: + 61 2 9385 5418

Fax: +61 (2) 9385 6115

Email: counselling@unsw.edu.au

Website: https://student.unsw.edu.au/wellbeing

CAPS Self-help resources: https://student.unsw.edu.au/mindsmart

Location: Level 2, East Wing, Quadrangle Building, University of New South Wales,

Kensington, NSW 2052

Quadrangle Building

Last but Not Least

Don’t be afraid to ask for help!

And get help early if you are struggling!

All the best for your journey in UNSW!

Thank you!