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Who can I call to talk to in times of need?
We’ve all experienced a time when we felt the need to reach out to someone to talk about our concerns or what’s on our mind.
Whether you’re experiencing feelings of loneliness, sadness, anxiety, or just yearn for more connection, talking these through these feelings and having a listening ear can be highly beneficial and cathartic.
So, if you’ve ever wondered, “Who can I talk to about my problems?” or, “Is there a hotline to call just to talk?”, just know that yes, beyond reaching out to a loved one, in Australia alone there are a wealth of organisations that are set up for this very reason.
Everyone has good and bad days, and everyone seeks connection in times of need. Sometimes something just doesn't feel quite right, or a thought may be dwelling on your mind. It is entirely understandable to feel the urgent desire of, "I need to talk to someone now". Holding in painful or uncomfortable emotions can be unbearable, seeking someone to chat to for support is perfectly understandable. Within this guide, we will outline some of the leading support services available in Australia – so that next time you’re feeling alone, unheard, or require support, you can consider these phone and online support services.
Who can I call to talk about my problems?
- Call a friend or family member
Sometimes even just getting a feeling off your chest can be the relief you need from your thoughts. No one understands you better than a close friend or loved one. Talking with a friend can raise your mood, put your situation into context, and keep your mind away from drifting towards negative thoughts. - Speaking to a professional
There are times when a friend may not be able to provide the level of support needed when you are feeling down, anxious, or depressed. If you regularly visit a counsellor or therapist, you can get in touch with them, and they will either be able to speak to you in person or over the phone to work through your feelings. If you don’t have a trained counsellor or therapist that you regularly see, you can seek help online through online therapy, or a mental health hub like selectability. Seeking professional help will provide you with strategies to manage your concerns, promote more healthy coping mechanisms, and take more control of your life. - Mental health hotlines
Is there a hotline to call just to talk? Yes. Australia is lucky to have access to many dependable mental health hotlines that provide support and are open to just having a chat. Several organisations offer support for anyone going through mental health issues, including:
Please note that selectability is not a crisis response service.
If you or someone you care about is in immediate need of support, contact:
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Lifeline 13 11 14
Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
Standby - Support After Suicide 0438 648 268
Other hotline services include:
Lifeline – 13 11 14
Provides 24/7 crisis support
beyondblue – 1300 224 636
Provides information and support to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live.
Information on symptoms, treatment and prevention of depression and bipolar disorder.
Carers Australia – 1800 242 636
Short-term counselling and emotional and psychological support services for carers and their families in each state and territory.
Head to Health brings together 500+ resources and services from Australia's trusted mental health service providers. These resources include apps, online forums, and phone services.
Headspace – 1800 650 890
Free online and telephone service that supports young people aged between 12 and 25 and their families going through a tough time.
Kids Helpline – 1800 551 800
A free, private, and confidential, telephone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged between 5 and 25.
MensLine Australia – 1300 789 978
A telephone and online support, information, and referral service, helping men to deal with relationship problems practically and effectively.
MindSpot Clinic – 1800 614 434
An online and telephone clinic providing free assessment and treatment services for Australian adults with anxiety or depression.
Relationships Australia – 1300 364 277
A provider of relationship support services for individuals, families, and communities.
SANE Australia – 1800 187 263.
Information about mental illness, treatments, where to go for support and help carers.
Information, resources, counselling, and group support to those bereaved by suicide. Education and professional development to health, welfare, and education professionals.
QLife – 1800 184 527 (3pm to 12am)
QLife is Australia’s first nationally-oriented counselling and referral service for LGBTI people. The project provides nation-wide, early intervention, peer supported telephone and web-based services to diverse people of all ages experiencing poor mental health, psychological distress, social isolation, discrimination, experiences of being misgendered and/or other social determinants that impact on their health and wellbeing.
How does talking about our mental health help?
Talking about your problems is a practical step in taking control of your current feelings and mental wellbeing. If you're feeling lost and wondering, "who can I call to talk to?" Then you have already taken the best step in the right direction to handle your mental health. Talking to another person and connecting gives perspective on the issue.
Calling a friend, partner, or professional to chat also allows you to put into words what is bothering you. The clearer that you understand what is making you feel this way, the better you will be able to take control and seek help when you need it.
Who can I call to talk to? selectability.
Contact us on 1800 133 123 to learn more about the selectability mental health support and services across regional Queensland. Our mental health hubs operate with an open-door policy, providing a safe and welcoming space for all to come in, seek help, and improve mental wellbeing. If you are worried about your mental health, feel depressed, lonely, anxious, or think, “Who can I call to talk about my problems?" reach out to selectability.
selectability is a not-for-profit mental health organisation committed to improving the mental wellbeing of regional Queenslanders. Please note that we are not a crisis response service – if you or someone you love is in immediate danger, get in touch with:
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline 1800 551 800
- Standby - Support After Suicide 0438 648 268
USEFUL LINKS
selectability acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we provide services and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge those with lived experience and those who support and partner with us to improve mental wellbeing and prevent suicide across regional Queensland.
