A hot but not-too-bothered BiPolar Bears band helped staff and students relax at CQU Rockhampton on Friday (October 5).

Facilities staff erected a shade structure to help the 'Bears' maintain their high-energy in the glare of the scorching Spring sunshine.

The BiPolar Bears were presented by CQU in conjunction with the Rockhampton Mental Health Promotion committee to mark Mental Health Week and the end of the university term.

The event was staged on the Library Lawns in conjunction with a sausage sizzle.

BiPolar Bears is an esteemed, Melbourne-based, 7-piece band which is an advocate for the combination of music and mental health. With a repertoire of original songs and covers, the BiPolar Bears have performed regularly since the band formed in 1991 at a wide range of events.

CQU's Healthy Universities Program Coordinator, Shuron Billman said findings from numerous studies suggest that the use of creative outlets, such as music and performing/visual arts, are effective interventions in reducing symptoms commonly associated with depression, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and general anxieties.

"One of the myths or public misconceptions about people who have mental illness is that they lack the ability or simply do not have the same interests as everyone else. This is simply not true," explained Ms Billman.