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Crisis Support Resources

If things feel unsafe, overwhelming, or too much to handle alone, help is available right now.

 

Reaching out can take incredible courage, especially when past experiences with crisis care have been difficult, but you still deserve support and safety.

 

These options exist to help you through the hardest moments, even if they don’t always feel perfect. 

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NOTE: A majority of these resources are Australia/Victoria-based. For international support, please visit findahelpline.com

When to reach out for help:

You don’t have to wait until things are unbearable to reach out. If a part of you is wondering whether you should tell someone or get support, that’s already enough. You don’t need to be “unwell enough” or at breaking point. Reaching out is something you deserve simply because you’re struggling.

 

It’s okay if it feels “too early” or like it’s not serious enough. It’s always better to reach out and be supported than to wait until you’re in crisis. You are not wasting anyone’s time! Your pain matters before it becomes an emergency.

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Reaching out at any point, before, during, or after a crisis, is valid.

There is no moment where you suddenly become “too much” or “not worth helping.”

You can reach out when:

  • you feel distressed, even if you can’t explain why

  • things feel heavier or worse than usual

  • you’re having thoughts about harming yourself (even if you don’t think you’ll act on them)

  • you’re trying to cope on your own and it’s getting hard

  • a small part of you doesn’t want things to get worse

  • you just don’t want to be alone in it

  • you feel like you’ve gone “too far”

  • you’ve already attempted or hurt yourself

  • a part of you thinks there’s no point now

  • you’re scared of getting in trouble or being judged

  • anytime you want it!

Emergency Services (000)

You can ask for Ambulance or Police. 

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Paramedics are trained to respond to mental health emergencies and can take you to a hospital if needed.

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WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • The operator will ask you if you want ambulance or police. 

  • You will be put through to another operator who will ask you questions about your name, location and specific situation.

  • The operator will then guide you on the next steps.

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Call if someone’s life is in danger or there’s an immediate safety risk.

 

You can call for any reason and they will be able to advise you on what to do.

Emergency Department (ED)

If you need urgent medical or mental health care, you can go (or be taken) to your nearest ED. They have teams there to support you. 

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WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • You’ll speak with a nurse at the triage desk who will assess your situation

  • You may spend some time waiting before being seen

  • Once there is a bed, you’ll usually speak with nurses, doctors, and the mental health team about next steps

  • It can be a long wait and a hard environment, but you have a right to care and to ask for someone to stay with you. 

 

You can go to the ED for any reason—they are there to support you and guide you on what to do.

Crisis
Helplines

If you need someone to talk to, or you’re not sure what kind of help you need, crisis lines are available 24/7.

 

WHAT TO EXPECT:

  • you may be asked for details like your name, age, or location, but you don’t have to share anything you’re not comfortable with

  • there might be a wait before you’re connected to someone

  • the person may listen, ask questions, offer suggestions, or talk things through with you

 

Every call is different. If the person on the other end doesn’t feel like the right fit, you can hang up and try again.

There are many different helplines, including ones that support specific situations

Crisis Assessment and Treatment Team (CATT) 

CATT and Mental Health Triage services are part of the public mental health system in Australia. They provide 24/7 crisis support and assessment for people experiencing acute mental health distress, severe emotional overwhelm, or situations where safety may be at risk.

Other Helplines and Supports
Australian Helplines and Supports
About This Section:

  • Reaching out for help can feel overwhelming, scary, or exhausting especially when things already hurt.

  • If you’re here, that’s an act of courage. You’ve already taken a meaningful step toward care and connection.

  • You deserve safety, understanding, and support, no matter what you’re feeling or how long you’ve been struggling.

  • Every service listed below is free, confidential, and available to help — whether you’re in crisis, needing to talk, or simply unsure of what you need right now.

  • You don’t have to know what to say; it’s okay to start with “I’m not okay.” The person on the other end will gently guide you.

  • If you’re unsure who to contact, you can always start with:

    • Lifeline (13 11 14) — 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention.

    • Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) — 24/7 emotional support and mental health guidance.

  • If you ever feel unsafe or in danger, calling 000 will connect you to emergency help. It’s okay if you’re unsure or afraid — the call takers are there to keep you safe.

  • You are not alone in this, and every part of you is welcome here, exactly as you are.

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Sections included here:

  1. ​ Suicide & Crisis Supports

  2. General Mental Health Supports

  3. Specialised Supports

  4. LGBTQIA+ Support

  5. Domestic Violence Support

  6. Youth Support

  7. Peer Supports

  8. Trained Clinical Support

  9. Prevention & Recovery Care Units (PARCs)

External Curated Helpline & Support Resources:

In addition to the helplines listed above, some organisations have already created comprehensive and regularly updated collections of support services, events, and peer spaces. We’re linking directly to these external resources so you can explore a wide range of options without us duplicating their work.

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These links lead to external websites that manage their own calendars and resources. Event details and availability can change, and some listings may be in different time zones. If you add an event to your Google Calendar, it will automatically adjust to your local time.

Downloadable

Resource Cards

Help-seeking cards are printed information tools designed to connect individuals with mental health and suicide prevention support services. The cards are designed to include clear, concise information such as phone numbers and websites to support people who may be experiencing distress.

These small, easy-to-display cards can be printed and placed in accessible locations by organisations, community groups and individuals. Click the link to see which cards are available for download

Created by Life in Mind

ICLA National Directory of Recovery Services

Alongside our curated lists, ICLA has compiled an extensive and incredible directory of Australian support services. Their full, downloadable PDF is available below.

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This is a great resource, and is sorted by category and gives details and helpful suggestions for each resource/service.

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Ask Izzy

Ask Izzy is another great resource for finding supports in Australia​

"Ask Izzy is a website that connects people in need with housing, a meal, money help, family violence support, counselling and much more.

It is free and anonymous, with thousands of services listed across Australia.

And if you’re on the Telstra or Vodafone mobile networks, you can access Ask Izzy on your phone even if you don’t have credit or access to wifi."

This website is a work in progress (and probably always will be) ♡

Disclaimer: Parts of a Whole is a peer-created resource, not a substitute for professional or medical advice. I’m not a licensed mental health professional.

If you’re in crisis or need immediate support, please contact Lifeline (13 11 14), Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467), Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636), or Kids Helpline (1800 55 1800).

If you’re outside Australia, visit findahelpline.com for free, confidential local support.

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