Deakin's Blue Tree Project
The Blue Tree Project is a charity that strives to create visual reminders – in the form of painted blue trees – for us to talk to those around us about mental health and extend a helping hand to those who may be struggling.
Founded after the suicide of 29-year-old Jayden Whyte in 2018, the idea of the blue tree symbolism originated from a tree Jayden secretly painted on his family’s Mukinbudin farm in 2014 to surprise his dad. Tragically, Jayden did not receive the medical care he needed on the day he died, and Jayden’s best friend created the Blue Tree Project in his memory with the hope it would raise awareness for others who are struggling with their mental health.
While you’re with us at Deakin, we strive to fully support your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual health, so you can feel happy, well and supported. Please know that your health and wellbeing matters, and you are not alone – we are here to help if you need support.
Join us for a Blue Tree Project event to connect with others and learn more about how you can protect your own health and wellbeing, and support those around you.
This project is funded by Bendigo Community Bank at Deakin University and the generous donation of Blue Tree Solagard paint from Wattyl.
Blue Tree Project: tips and tricks to boost your mental health
MIND & BODY
Look after your body as well as your mind. Eat a well balanced diet, keep hydrated and get into a regular sleeping pattern.
TALK TO SOMEONE
Don't be afraid to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Reach out to a friend, family member, teacher or a professional.
Don't be afraid to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Reach out to a friend, family member, teacher or a professional.
EXERCISE
Engage in regular exercise. Find something you enjoy. It is a great tool for improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety.
Engage in regular exercise. Find something you enjoy. It is a great tool for improving mood and reducing stress and anxiety.
BREATHING
Learn breathing techniques and find what works for you: box breathing, deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation. It's an easy way to help relax your mind and body.
SELF CARE
Practice self care and recharge your battery. Relax, meditate, go for a walk and do something you love.
Practice self care and recharge your battery. Relax, meditate, go for a walk and do something you love.
WRITE IT DOWN
Journal how you are feeling and what you're thinking. This can be a simple tool to help you understand what is going on within your mind and body.
Journal how you are feeling and what you're thinking. This can be a simple tool to help you understand what is going on within your mind and body.
ORGANISATION
Set achievable goals. It's OK not to finish everything. Stay organised and on top of things. This will help to reduce stress.
GET OUTSIDE
Get some fresh air and get out in nature. It does wonders for your mental and physical health. Take the opportunity to invite a friend and have a conversation.
Get some fresh air and get out in nature. It does wonders for your mental and physical health. Take the opportunity to invite a friend and have a conversation.
VISIT A TREE
There are now more than 1230 blue trees located around the world, so check the map to where else they are popping up.
There are now more than 1230 blue trees located around the world, so check the map to where else they are popping up.
Useful resources
-
Listen to our podcast where Deakin counsellors outline some simple strategies for coping with social anxiety.
-
Download our free, interactive app and build positive habits, coping skills and resilience through fun daily activities.
-
Mindfulness can help you manage stress and boost your self-esteems, which will equip you for study success.
-
Student questions on a range of emotional and psychological issues, answered by our counsellors.
After Hours Mental Health Support Line
Call 1300 239 002
Text 0485 829 309
This service offers students immediate relief and emotional support between 5pm–9am weekdays, and 24hrs across weekends, public holidays and University shutdown.
Please note this is not an emergency response service. In an emergency, please call Triple Zero (000), and if on campus, call Deakin Security on 1800 062 279.
External after hours support
Telephone counselling 13 11 14
Open 24 hours, 7-days-a-week
Support chat
Open 7pm–4am, 7-days-a-week
Telephone counselling 1800 737 732
Open 24 hours, 7-days-a-week
Online counselling
Open 24 hours, 7-days-a-week
Telephone counselling 1300 22 4636
Open 24 hours, 7-days-a-week
Chat
Open 3pm–12am, 7-days-a-week
For ages 12–25.
Telephone counselling 1800 650 890
Open 9am–1am, 7-days-a-week
Chat
Open 9am-1am, 7-days-a-week
One-on-one phone yarning opportunity and support with a trained Lifeline Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter for mob who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping.
Telephone counselling 13 92 76
Open 24 hours, 7-days-a-week
You may also be interested in
-
Anxiety can be understood as a feeling of worry or stress that does not pass and makes it hard for you to cope with daily life.
-
Depression is an experience of low mood. If you are feeling sad, teary or empty, it's important to get support.
-
Mental health is about your feelings, your state of mind, your self-esteem and your view of the world.
-
Anger is a normal human emotion, but it can be a problem when it's expressed in a harmful way.
