Mental health support and resources

For a truly healthy lifestyle, it’s vital that we consider our mental health alongside our physical health.

There’s now a much great awareness of the prevalence of mental health issues. The stigmas around mental health are falling, thanks to the work of many organisations and individuals. Many of us now recognise the importance of speaking up when we’re struggling and of reaching out to those who need our support.

Beyond Blue reports that an estimated 45 per cent of Australians will experience mental health conditions in their lifetime. The Beyond Blue support line alone was accessed by Australians more than 254,000 times in 2020.

There are many free, confidential support services. We’ve compiled a list summarising some of the mental health support services and resources available in Australia. This list is not exhaustive and we welcome any suggested additions (you can contact us here).

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.

Support line

Phone: 1300 22 4636

Their support line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. All calls are confidential.

Online web chat

Online chat is available on the Beyond Blue website from 3:00pm until 12:00am Australian Eastern Daylight Time (AEDT).

Online Forums

Beyond Blue also offers online forums to chat, share stories and give and receive support.

SANE Australia

SANE Australia supports all Australians affected by complex mental health issues.

Support line

Phone: 1800 18 7263

Their support line is available Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 10:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Online web chat

Online chat is available on the SANE Australia website Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 10:00pm Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

Online Forums

The SANE Forums offer a place to chat, share stories and give and receive support.

There are dedicated forums for Lived Experience (people experiencing complex mental health issues) and Carers (those who care about someone living with complex mental health issues).

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is a free, confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service for young people aged 5 to 25.

Helpline

Phone: 1800 55 1800

WebChat

WebChat is available 24/7 on the Kids Helpline website.

Crisis support

If you’re in an emergency or at immediate risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact one of the emergency or crisis support services detailed below.

Lifeline

Lifeline provides all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Phone: 13 11 14

Suicide Call Back Service

Suicide Call Back Service provides professional 24/7 telephone and online counselling to people who are affected by suicide.

Phone: 1300 659 467

Triple Zero (000)

Triple Zero (000) is the Australian emergency services number for Police, Fire or Ambulance.

Phone: 000

Article image credit: Luke Summers.