Ask 4 Help
If you feel mentally unwell, your best starting point is usually your GP (family doctor). GPs are trained to assess, treat and manage many mental health issues. Your GP can refer you to your local community mental health service or elsewhere if needed. They may be able to support you to manage your mental health without needing to refer you to other services. Below is a list of some of the services available in New Zealand that offer support, information and help.
All services are free, and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise stated.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
Healthline 0800 611 116 for advice from trained registered nurses
Samaritans 0800 726 666 for confidential support for anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress
Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email.talk@youthline.co.nz.or online chat.
The Lowdown or email.team@thelowdown.co.nz.or free text 5626. Support for young people experiencing depression or anxiety
What's Up 0800 942 8787 (for 5-19 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, 12noon-11pm and weekends, 3pm-11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm-10pm 7 days a week, including all public holidays
EDANZ improving outcomes for people with eating disorders and their families. Freephone 0800 2 EDANZ or 0800 233 269, or in Auckland 09 522 2679. Or email.info@ed.org.nz.
Anxiety NZ 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
The Grief Centre For support for all forms of loss, grief, trauma or difficult change
Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions)
