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Let’s be real – life can be a little messy sometimes. But if you’re feeling a bit off, you’re not alone. Today (September 10) marks R U OK? Day – a national day encouraging Aussies to check in on their mates and themselves. And here’s the good news: if you or someone you care about has been feeling ‘meh’ more than usual, there’s free mental health support just a call or click away.
To start, R U OK? Day is all about giving you the tools to have real, meaningful chats with the people you care about. If you think a mate or family member might be struggling, you don’t need to be an expert – just start the convo. Their simple four-step guide makes it easy:
- Ask R U OK?
- Listen with an open mind
- Encourage action
- Check in
How to get free mental health support in Australia?
If you need extra support, Aussies have access to plenty of free mental health support services – no hefty fee or long waiting lists attached. There’s a good chance you’ve heard of Lifeline (13 11 14) and Beyond Blue (1300 22 4636) – two of the country’s biggest 24/7 mental health support lines. But you can also get free support in person.
The ACAP Clinic offers free psychology, counselling and social work services at its evidence-based, teaching clinics in Melbourne and Sydney. They also run face-to-face sessions in Perth and Adelaide based on clinician availability – with no GP referrals required. For the rest of the country, ACAP Clinic offers free telehealth services via its website. You can find more specific mental health helplines in Australia below.
Free 24/7 crisis support lines in Australia:
- Lifeline – provides crisis counselling and suicide prevention services
- Call 13 11 14, text 0477 131 114 or chat online
- Beyond Blue – provides counselling services for people with depression, anxiety and other mental health services
- Call 1300 224 636 or chat online
- Suicide Call Back Service – provides counselling for anyone with suicidal thoughts
- Call 1300 659 467 or chat online
- Kids Helpline – provides 24/7 counselling for young people aged five to 25
- Call 1800 551 800
- 13YARN – provides crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- Call 13 92 76
- MensLine Australia – provides counselling for men
- Call 1300 789 978 or chat online
- 1800RESPECT – provides support for domestic, family and sexual violence victims
- Call 1800 737 732, text 0458 737 732 or chat online
- National Alcohol and Drug Hotline – provides advice and treatment options for alcohol and other drugs
- Call 1800 250 015
Other free support lines (specific hours):
- Headspace – provides counselling to people aged 12 to 25, and their family and friends
- Call 1800 650 890 or chat online (3-10pm local time)
- Call 1800 184 527 or chat online (3pm to midnight)