Times are tough,
I think I need a chat now
If you are suicidal, need immediate support as you are feeling stressed, anxious, or angry, or if you just need to talk to someone there are many support lines available for you to call now and get the assistance that you need. Remember, you’re not alone. It’s okay to not be okay.
What To Expect When You Call a Helpline
Common reasons for calling a helpline:
- Feelings of overwhelm, stress, loneliness, anxiety or depression
- Having family/relationship issues
- Having addiction or substance abuse issues
- Feeling unsafe (such as having thoughts of suicide or self-harm)
Who are helpline workers?
Helpline workers are trained professionals or volunteers who are there to listen, support and guide you through difficult situations in a non-judgemental way. Depending on the helpline, they may include counsellors, crisis responders and support workers.
What can I expect when I call a helpline?
- A prerecorded message about the service you have called, this may include wait times if there are any
- The helpline operator will ask you a few basic questions like your first name (which you don’t need to share), general location and why you are calling. They will not ask for identifying information unless you show signs of being at risk of harm to yourself or others.
- The helpline worker will listen carefully to your problem and offer you emotional support and advice. Their priority is to make sure you are safe. They will then work with you to figure out the next steps e.g. finding in-person support
Is it confidential?
All conversations with a helpline are confidential. The only time they care share your information is if they think you are in serious and immediate danger and believe it is the only way to help you stay safe. In this case, they will make sure you have professional help straight away.
More information:
- Many helplines have text helpline or webchat options available as alternative to phone calls
- Calling a helpline is free or very low cost
- Helplines can offer immediate emotional support but they aren’t always equipped to handle long-term care. It is ok to ask for more help if you need it. The helpline worker will guide you towards many other resources or check out the following pages within the Bloke’s Book for services providing ongoing care to support you through your journey
All listed crisis support lines are free and confidential
If you or someone you know is at immediate risk of harm, call 000
Lifeline Australia
13 11 14 or txt 0477 13 11 14
Confidential telephone crisis support service available 24/7
Mensline Australia
1300 789 978
Telephone, online support and information service for Australian men.
Beyond Blue Support
Mental Health Emergency Response Line
1300 555 788
Available 24/7 for Perth Metropolitan
Peel Region 1800 676 822
Rurallink after hours support for regional WA 1800 552 002
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling
The Samaritans
13YARN
MATES in Construction
Suicide Call Back Service
Kids Helpline
QLife (LGBTI+)
Here For You
1800 437 348
Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Support Line available 24/7
ADF Mental Health Support Line
Compass Elder Help
1800 353 374
Support for those experiencing or who knows someone experiencing elder abuse
What can I do when I’m feeling overwhelmed?
Life can be tough at times, but small everyday actions can make a big difference to your emotional wellbeing. Below are a few simple strategies that can help you feel better when you start to feel overwhelmed.
Avoid negative self talk.
When things aren’t going to plan, its easy to focus on the negative self talk, but those negative messages only make us feel worse. Try focusing on short, simple messages like:
- “I am enough”
- “These feelings are temporary”
- “I am doing my best”
Try changing the environment.
Sometimes a simple change of environment can help us feel better. It can remove us away from what is making us feel overwhelmed or allows us to switch our focus onto something else, even just for a little while:
- “Go for a drive to the park, beach or even the local shops”
- “Go for a walk or run outside in the fresh air”
- “Try something new or something that you enjoy (reading, gaming, fishing, etc)”
Talk to a mate.
We all have our own experiences of feeling overwhelmed or struggling with negative thoughts. One of the best ways to work through these thoughts is to talk about it. They may not have the answers or any advice to give, but sometimes just having a chat to a mate, can be the first step to seeking further support if needed.
And remember…
You are not alone. Its ok to not be ok.
If you’ve tried the strategies above but still feel you need extra support, explore the resources and support lines provided on this page. If you are ever in immediate danger or distress, please call 000 or reach out to the crisis lines listed above.
If you are in an emergency, or at risk of harm to yourself or others, please contact emergency services on 000.
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