If you need support now
Free and confidential (local call costs may apply), and available 24/7, wherever you are in Australia.
Looking after your mental health: where to get help
Written with AI assistants and checked against the services' own websites
This page lists services. It isn't counselling or medical advice.
If you're going through a tough time, you don't have to work it out alone. These Australian services are free and confidential (local call costs may apply), and they are there to listen and help.
1. If you're in danger right now
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.
2. Talk to someone now
- Lifeline: 13 11 14, 24/7 crisis support. lifeline.org.au
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636, support for anxiety and depression. beyondblue.org.au
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467, 24/7. suicidecallbackservice.org.au
3. Support for young people
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800, for young people aged 5 to 25. kidshelpline.com.au
4. Support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- 13YARN: 13 92 76, a crisis support line run by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 13yarn.org.au
5. Your GP
Your GP can talk things through and help you find ongoing support. Ask whether a mental health treatment plan is right for you.
6. Supporting someone else
If you're worried about someone, ask how they're going and listen. The services above can also give advice to family and friends.
The short version
- In an emergency, call 000.
- Lifeline: 13 11 14.
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636.
- Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800. 13YARN: 13 92 76.
- Your GP can help with ongoing support.
Check each service's website for current hours, costs and ways to get in touch.
Sources
Need someone to talk to? If you're doing it tough, free support is available 24/7: Lifeline 13 11 14 · Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, call 000. Wellness content on PoTayto Picks is general information only, not medical advice. Please talk to your GP or another health professional about your own situation.