Help

If you are in an emergency, in danger, or you or someone close to you has seriously harmed themself, call triple zero (000) for emergency services.

If you are in a crisis and need immediate help, call one of the following helplines that offer crisis support and counselling over the phone:

Suicide

If you are with someone who is acutely unwell and is also talking about suicide, it is important to:

    • stay calm
    • stay with them, or keep them on the phone and find out where they are
    • phone Lifeline (13 11 14) to speak with a counsellor for immediate advice and support
    • call triple zero (000) immediately (if they are hurt, ask for an ambulance first)

Talking with someone experiencing a mental health crisis

When someone is acutely unwell with mental illness they could be feeling suicidal, experiencing severe anxiety, reacting to a life problem, having a psychotic episode – or a combination of all of these symptoms.

There are some simple strategies that will help you connect with the person in distress:

    • introduce yourself calmly and clearly
    • explain why you are there
    • be polite and non-threatening but also be honest and direct
    • listen to what they are saying in a non-judgmental way
    • avoid confrontation
    • ask them what they see as the main problem
    • do not attempt physical contact, except to prevent serious assault or suicide attempts
    • encourage them to talk to a mental healthcare professional
    • follow up any traumatic experience with counselling for yourself.

Other mental health helplines and online support:

    • SANE Australia Helpline  call 1800 18 7263 for information about mental illness, treatments and support for you and your carer.
    • Mensline Australia  call 1300 78 99 78 for telephone support, information and referrals for men dealing with relationship issues, or visit their website.
    • Beyondblue  call 1300 22 4636 for telephone support, information and resources for people dealing with depression or anxiety, or visit their website.
    • MindSpot Clinic call 1800 61 44 34 for a free assessment and treatment service for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.
    • Support after Suicide  visit their website for resources, information, counselling and group support for people dealing with suicide.
    • Black Dog Institute  visit their website for information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of bipolar disorder and depression.
    • Mindhealthconnect access mental health care services, resources and online programs.
    • Relationships Australia  call 1300 364 277 or visit the website for relationship support for individuals and families.
    • Direct Line  call 1800 888 236 for Confidential alcohol and drug counselling and referral.
    • Lifeback Tracker  This 32-page booklet provides you with step-by-step guides and charts to measure, track and analyse the benefits of the 4 Lifeback principles over a 9 week program.

Help for parents, children and teenagers:

    • Lifeline  call 13 11 14 for this free, 24-hour Australia-wide crisis support and suicide prevention service.
    • Suicide Call Back Service  call 1300 659 467 for this free service for people having suicidal thoughts, family or friends affected by suicide, and healthcare professionals treating suicidal people.
    • Kids Help Line call 1800 55 1800 for free counselling and advice for young people between the ages of five and twenty-five.
    • Youth Beyond Blue call 1300 22 4636 for free telephone counselling or visit their website for information, resources and support for young people with depression or anxiety.
    • ReachOut  visit their website for information, tools and support for young people with mental health issues.
    • Parent Helpline phone 1300 364 100 Information and support on health, behaviour, development and parenting for parents and carers.
    • Child Abuse Report Line 131 478 To report a reasonable suspicion that a child has been or is being abused or neglected phone the Child Abuse Report Line (CARL). The report line is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mental health help for veterans and defence force personnel and their families:

Christian Church services and support in South Australia: