Feeling sad or down? Free counselling and mental health services by phone and email
Do you find the holiday season challenging, stressful or lonely? You are not alone.
This time of year can be difficult for many people in our community, especially those who are newly-arrived or with family members far away. It’s normal to be missing loved ones, reflecting on difficult times throughout the year, or feeling isolated.
DID YOU KNOW: In Australia, there are free services available to help both adults and children if you need a qualified counsellor or caring person to talk to, on the phone or online.
Lifeline
Lifeline provides 24-hour counselling services. You can talk on the phone or via an online chat if you are feeling suicidal, struggling with your mental health, or feeling very unhappy or distressed. You can also get information from their website on how to help someone you know.
Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au
MensLine Australia
MensLine provides telephone and online counselling and help for men, 24 hours a day. You can talk to professional counsellors who specialise in the challenges that men face in life, including anxiety and depression, stress, parenting, loneliness, anger management and coping strategies.
Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit mensline.org.au
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline is a free and confidential counselling service for children and young people aged from 5 to 25 years old. Kids and young people can contact Kids Helpline to talk about any kind of problem, and can speak to a counsellor of their gender to feel more comfortable.
Call 1800 55 1800 or visit kidshelpline.com.au
Friendline
If you are feeling lonely or would like more social connection, you can chat online with a local, trained Friendline volunteer. You can be anonymous and talk about anything at all!
Friendline’s online chat service is open: 5pm-8pm Mondays, 1pm-4pm Wednesdays, 10am-1pm Fridays
Visit friendline.org.au
QLife
QLife offers telephone and online help and support from 3pm- midnight every night, for people who want to talk about issues including identity, gender, bodies, feelings, relationships or sexuality.
Call 1800 184 527
Remember, always call 000 in an emergency or mental health crisis.
For a list of mental health support and education services in Australia, visit healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines