Welcome to Real Talk, the QUT Student Services Podcast. Each episode, we dive into real-life challenges, share practical coping strategies, and interview experts who offer valuable insights on managing stress, anxiety, and the pressures of academic life. Tune in, take a breath, and let's build a healthier, more resilient university experience together.

Sarah Winkleman is a Clinical Psychologist and counsellor at QUT Student Services.

Melanie Rolfe is a current PhD student at QUT a well as a psycho-social researcher in paediatric health.

Recommendations – Sarah recommends a new hobby, paint by numbers. It’s helped her to challenge ideas about her own creativity and perfectionism, and it keeps her off her phone! Mel recommends habit tracking on the fridge to keep on top of life admin and achieve goals.

In this episode, Sarah and Mel discuss how pervasive social media is in our lives today, which can have both positive and negative consequences. They unpack a few theories as to why we all seem to be addicted to our phones and social media, and whether it’s helpful to call it an

addiction? Sarah and Mel also give some helpful tips on how to have a more balanced approach to social media in our lives.  

Handy links:

· Online safety | eSafety Commissioner

· Screen Zen App -  BestScreen Time App for Android & iPhone – Download Free

· One Sec App -  one sec | stopmindless scrolling – scientifically

This podcast touches on topics relating to mental health and is for educational purposes only. It does not replace the valuable experience of personalised counselling support. If you need urgent help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14. If you or others are in immediate danger of harm or in the case of a mental health emergency, always call 000.

Counselling support is available to current QUT students at both Garden’s Point and Kelvin Grove Campuses. Visit  Counselling and psychology - Student - QUT Portal for details, or call (07) 3138 2019.

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