If you’ve landed on this page, either on purpose or by accident, welcome. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, supporting a loved one, or just exploring ways to better care for your mind—I’m glad you’re here.
Mental health is complex, deeply personal, and sometimes incredibly hard to talk about. But one thing is certain: you don’t have to go through it alone. Sometimes, the support of a trusted friend or family member is enough. At other times in my life, seeking help from a mental health professional made a profound difference.
Trusted Mental Health Resources in Australia
Healthdirect has a collection of trusted mental health resources across Australia, including helplines, online programs, and support for specific communities. Some of the categories you’ll find:
- 📞 Crisis and Helplines (e.g. Lifeline, Suicide Call Back Service)
- 💬 Online Chat & Peer Support Services
- 🧠 Therapy & Counselling Access
- 🧒 Support for Young People
- 🌈 LGBTQIA+ Mental Health Support
- 🧍♀️ Support for Carers and Families
- 🌱 Culturally Safe & Community-Specific Services
Even just knowing what support is out there can be empowering. So take your time, browse through the links, and bookmark anything that might be useful—whether for now, or later.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Most workplaces in Australia offer a free Employee Assistance Program (EAP)—a confidential service that provides short-term counselling and support for a range of personal or work-related issues. You don’t need to tell your manager why you’re using it, and no identifying information is shared with your employer. In truth, I accessed the EAP at my workplace in 2022 and the counsellor played an important role in saving my life.
If You’re Unsure Where to Start
If you’re unsure where to start, you can call the Medicare Mental Health Hotline (previously Head to Health) on 1800 011 511. The hotline is free, available 8:30am to 5:00pm weekdays (excl. public holidays), and completely confidential. The free phone line is for anyone seeking support and guidance, including family members and carers. The service can connect you to a local service that best meets your needs, including your nearest Medicare Mental Health service, or other trusted mental health providers. Contrary to what the name suggests, you do not need a Medicare card to access the service.
If Everything Feels All Too Much
If you or someone close to you is experiencing an emergency, or is at immediate risk of harm, call triple zero (000). To talk to someone now, call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 or Lifeline on 13 11 14.
