What We Wish We Knew About Mental Health

Sometimes it’s the little chats which help the most 🫂

This article is presented in partnership with MOST.

It’s 2025 and mental health conversations with your friends and family have become much more open than they once were.

Rather than bottling it up, we’re better at talking to others about how we’re feeling and what we need.

Looking back, there’s so much we, at Student Edge, wish we had known about mental health when we were students.

And our friends at MOST know that, looking back, there’s a lot they wish they had known too.

MOST is an app that connects you with real people who can support you, and evidence-based therapy content. From clinicians and peer workers to career consultants and other young people, MOST is full of people who get it, who are there to help you navigate the chaos of student life.

If you’ve ever questioned the way you’ve been feeling or just want to know more about mental health for your own future wellbeing, here are some things we wish we knew about mental health.

Mental health isn’t just about feeling sad or happy.

When some of us on the Student Edge team were growing up, there was a misconception (and sometimes there still is!) that mental health meant big, extreme emotions.

Either you were happy and all was well, or you were sad, and things were rough.

In reality, mental health is complex – it can range from how we handle stress, how we process our emotions and even our physical health.

Doctor Carla McEnery, a Clinical Psychologist and MOST's Head of Content Strategy and Creation said comprehending our emotions is a start. 

"When you understand how your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours are connected, you gain the power to break negative cycles, build resilience, and take better care of your wellbeing." 

You don’t have to have a mental health diagnosis to take steps to look after your mental health. Lookaing after your mental health can also be about things like getting enough sleep, eating balanced meals, setting boundaries, taking breaks and more.

All of these things play a role in your wellbeing.

Self-care isn’t just face masks and relaxation.

Sometimes social media can make self-care look like bubble baths, a skincare routine or a movie night. While those things can be worthwhile, sometimes self-care can look less glam.

Self-care can also be saying no to things you don’t want to do (even if it disappoints others), going to bed early rather than scrolling on TikTok, or holding yourself accountable when you’re avoiding responsibilities.

And it’s also about starting convos. Find a community you can be apart of where there’s people in your corner. On the MOST app, you’ll get access to qualified mental health professionals, peer workers and career consultants who will do just that.

There’s also an in-built social network, known as the Community. It’s a network of other young people for everyone to connect, chat and even just vent about life. MOST peer workers also monitor the network to provide any support, encouragement when they need it.

"Struggling can feel lonely, and it’s easy to believe you’re the only one going through it. That’s why the Community on MOST is so important,” Dr McEnery explained.

“It’s a safe, supportive space where young people can connect with others who truly understand.

"Through shared experiences and real, judgment-free advice from those who’ve been there, it creates a sense of belonging and support when you need it most."

It’s ok not to have everything figured out.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re falling behind in life because you don’t know what your future looks like, join the club.

Tbh though, no one really knows what they are doing. It’s ok to not know what you want to study, if you even want to study, what career you’re interested in and where you’re going in life.

The good news? You don’t have to do it solo. You can talk to a career consultant for free on the over 15+, MOST platform. They’ll talk you through work, study and career support depending on where you’re at in life.

There’s no pressure or stress, just advice when and where you need it.

You don’t have to be ‘not ok’ to seek help.

“It’s not that bad, I don’t need help” or “other people have it worse” is the type of mindset that could stop you getting the help you need.

You shouldn’t wait until things are unbearable to reach out for help. Sometimes your struggles could be subtle – it could be feeling constantly exhausted, feeling disconnected, or even struggling to feel motivated.

The community, clinicians, peer workers and career consultants on MOST are for anyone in any stage in their mental health journey.

Talking to someone earlier rather than later, could make it easier to manage your emotions.

Convos about mental health don’t have to be a big discussion. They can be casual chats at any stage of your life about little things affecting your life. And sometimes, those are the conversations that help you the most.

If you are aged 15-25 and you live in Victoria, Queensland or the Australian Capital Territory, and you want tailored digital therapy, sign up to MOST on the app store or Google Play store.

This article does not constitute personal medical advice. Before acting on any information in this article, you should consider your personal health circumstances and ensure it is appropriate to you. For more information, contact your personal health practitioner.

If you or anyone you know needs help, support is available now. Call Lifeline on 131 114 or Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800.