Mental Health & Wellbeing Support in New Zealand 💙
We all need a bit of extra support sometimes in life so we’ve put together a list of people and places you can call at any time to get some help. Sometimes it’s problems at home or at school, medical challenges, issues with friends, whānau, dealing with change, or maybe you just need to vent to someone. Remember – there is nothing too small to chat about and whatever it is the people below can help.
If you are at immediate risk call 111 and request an ambulance
Free trained professionals you can chat to right now for support:
Lifeline is available to help 24/7. They are experts at helping people through any challenge you may be facing. Nothing is too small. You can also contact Lifeline if you are worried about someone else.
Call 24/7 – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE)
Text 24/7 – 4357 (HELP)
Lifeline also has a Suicide Crisis Helpline.
Call 24/7 – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
https://www.lifeline.org.nz/services/suicide-crisis-helpline
Youthline is a “with youth, for youth” organisation that supports young people throughout Aotearoa New Zealand. They provide support to Kiwis aged between 12-24, and is here to support all young people – this includes young people who are struggling (with their mental health or other issues), as well as young people who want to learn, grow and give back to their community.
Youthline offers a free Helpline service (text, phone, webchat & email), free face-to-face counselling services, youth mentoring, programmes in schools and communities to help people grow and develop.
Call: 24/7 on 0800 37 66 33 (the call is free)
Text: Between 8am and midnight everyday, on 234 (it usually takes 5-10 minutes to receive a message back)
Web Chat: 4:30-10:30pm everyday, go to https://www.youthline.co.nz/web-chat-counselling.html
If you feel like you might be struggling with depression or anxiety depression.org.nz is a service for all ages. You can call, text or email a trained counsellor to chat through what’s going on for you. Depression.org.nz are here to offer understanding, validation and practical advice for those navigating depression and anxiety.
Call 24/7 – 1737
Text 24/7 – 1737
0800 What’s Up
0800 What’s Up is a service for young people from 5-19 years old. You can chat online or over the phone about anything that is going on in your life. The number is 0800 942 8787 (0800 WHATSUP). Their opening hours are 12pm-11pm on Monday-Friday and 3pm-11pm Saturday-Sunday. You can also webchat at www.whatsup.co.nz from 1pm – 10pm on Monday-Friday and 3pm-10pm on weekends.
Call – 0800 942 8787
Outline
OutLine is an all-ages rainbow mental health organisation that provides support to the rainbow community, their friends, whānau, and those questioning. They provide a nationwide, free and confidential 0800 support line from 6pm-9pm for people who want to speak to a trained volunteer from the rainbow community. They also provide specialist rainbow counselling .https://outline.org.nz/.
Call – 0800 688 5463
People you can chat to face to face when the time is right:
Along with the professional supports listed above, there are a number of people who may already be in your life right now that you can chat to for support. These include:
- Parents or Guardians
- School counsellors
- Teachers
- Your local GP
- Trusted adults
Often times we feel like we can go at it alone and cope. but this may only make things worse. Talking to someone in your life who you trust is a big first step in getting support. These people can also support you long-term and be there for you when you need them most.
These might not be available immediately so please reach out to any of the above, until you can chat to someone face to face.
To get additional help and advice at your own pace check out these resources:
The Lowdown
The Lowdown is a website to help young New Zealanders recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
On the site you can find:
- Helpful information on anxiety, depression (and other issues they may be struggling with like leaving school or getting on with their parents).
- Videos of 12 real young people telling their stories.
- Quick steps to help build healthy mental wellbeing.
- Healthy behaviours to build resilience.
- Places to go to get help.
- Information for anyone worried about a friend.
- A moderated forum for young people to share stories and experiences and provide peer-to-peer support.
Take heed of your head, look after your mental health and remember there is always support out there, whatever the issue and whatever the time of day.
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