Around 60,000 Nepali students are studying in Australia, one of the largest groups of international students in the country. Many also work long hours while they study. If you are finding it hard to cope, you can talk to me online in Nepali or English.
What Nepalis in Australia often tell me about
- Juggling study, rent and part-time work, with little time to sleep
- Pressure to pay back loans or send money home
- Worry about visa renewals, post-study work visas and bringing a spouse over, as the rules have become stricter
- Feeling lonely or cut off, especially in the first year
- Exam stress, and fear of failing and disappointing family
- Low mood, panic attacks, or drinking more to cope
- Relationship strain, including partners living apart
Time difference
Australia is ahead of Nepal. Nepal time does not change during the year, but most of Australia moves its clocks forward in summer.
- Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart: 4 hours 15 minutes ahead (5 hours 15 minutes ahead from early October to early April)
- Brisbane: 4 hours 15 minutes ahead all year
- Adelaide: 3 hours 45 minutes ahead (4 hours 45 minutes in summer)
- Perth: 2 hours 15 minutes ahead all year
Because Australia is ahead, early evening in Sydney is afternoon in Kathmandu. This makes it easy to find a time after your classes or work.
About medicines if you live in Australia
- Australian pharmacies can usually only fill prescriptions from doctors registered in Australia. A prescription from Nepal will usually not be accepted at an Australian pharmacy.
- If you need medicine, I can write a clear letter with my assessment and advice for your GP in Australia, who can then prescribe for you.
- If you travel to Australia with medicine, you can usually bring up to 3 months’ supply for yourself. Keep it in its original pack, carry a prescription or doctor’s letter, and declare it when you arrive.
- Posting medicines to Australia has stricter rules. Some medicines, such as sleeping tablets and ADHD medicines, may need a permit. Check with the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) before anything is sent.
Help in Australia
If you are in danger or thinking of ending your life, get help now:
- Emergency: 000
- Lifeline (24 hours): 13 11 14
- Suicide Call Back Service (24 hours): 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Free interpreter for these services (Translating and Interpreting Service): 131 450. Ask for Nepali.
If you are a student, your university or college also has free counselling. Your student health cover (OSHC) may also help with some mental health costs.
How online sessions work from Australia
- Message me on WhatsApp (+977 9851347591) and tell him you are in Australia and which city.
- He will offer a time that fits your classes or work, and send payment details. You can pay by card from Australia, or a family member can pay in Nepal.
- You get a Google Meet link. Join from a quiet, private place.
- Your first session is a full assessment. We agree a plan together.
Common questions
Can a Nepali student in Australia see a psychiatrist online in Nepali?
Yes. I see Nepali students in Australia online by Google Meet, in Nepali or English.
Will my university or visa be affected if I see a psychiatrist?
What you share with me stays private. I do not share anything with your university, employer or the visa office unless you ask me to in writing, or someone’s life is in danger.
Can my parents in Nepal join or pay?
Yes, if you agree. Parents can join a session, or pay in Nepal by Fonepay, eSewa or Khalti.