When to Get Help
When Should You Seek Support?
If you're concerned about your mental health, or the wellbeing of someone you care about, it's never too early—or too late—to seek support.
It can sometimes be difficult to know whether what you're experiencing is serious enough to warrant professional help. The truth is, there is no threshold you need to reach before seeking counselling. You don't need to wait until things get worse.
Seeking support early can help you better understand what you're experiencing, develop effective coping strategies and prevent concerns from becoming more overwhelming.
You may benefit from support if your feelings or experiences are affecting your ability to cope with daily life, work, school or relationships.
Signs You May Benefit From Support
Everyone experiences mental health challenges differently. Some common signs include changes in your:
Feelings
Persistent sadness, anxiety, anger or irritability
Feeling overwhelmed, numb or unlike yourself
Guilt, shame, hopelessness or low self-worth
Loneliness or isolation
Feeling constantly worried, fearful or on edge
Ongoing exhaustion or low energy
Thoughts
Feeling unable to cope
Difficulty concentrating or focusing
Feeling worthless or inadequate
Feeling that everything is going wrong
Feeling trapped or unable to see a way forward
Finding it difficult to feel hopeful about the future
Behaviours
Changes in sleep, appetite or energy
Loss of motivation or enjoyment
Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
Withdrawing from others or activities you usually enjoy
Physical symptoms such as shaking, sweating or feeling tense
Increased impulsivity or risky behaviours
Counselling Isn't Just for Times of Crisis
You don't need to be experiencing a mental health crisis to benefit from counselling. Counselling can also provide a proactive space for personal growth, self-understanding and building resilience.
Seeking support early can help you develop the skills and confidence to navigate life's challenges more effectively when they arise.
We're here to help. Contact us today to take the first step.
Crisis, Mental Health and Support Services
If you or someone else is in immediate danger or requires urgent medical assistance, call 000.
There are also two secondary emergency mobile call service numbers: 112 and 106.
112 is available from most mobile phones. 106 connects to the text-based relay service for people who have a hearing or speech impairment. All calls to the emergency numbers, whether from fixed, mobile, pay phones or VoIP services are free-of-charge.
In QLD, for general enquiries or to report non-urgent matters to Police call 131 444.
The following services provide free or low-cost crisis support, counselling, information and referral.
Crisis and Suicide Support
Lifeline 13 11 14
24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention. Lifeline also offers text and online support.
Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
Free nationwide phone and online counselling for people affected by suicide, including those experiencing suicidal thoughts, supporting someone at risk or bereaved by suicide.
Beyond Blue 1300 22 46 36
24/7 mental health information, support and brief counselling.
SANE Australia 1800 187 263
Free digital and telehealth support for adults with complex mental health needs, as well as their family, friends and carers.
Alcohol and Other Drug Support
ADIS 1800 177 833
Free and confidential 24/7 support for Queenslanders concerned about alcohol or other drug use.
Drug Arm QLD 07 3620 8880
Alcohol and other drug support service information, emotional and practical support, appointment bookings and referrals.
Headspace 1800 650 890
Mental health, physical and sexual health, alcohol and other drug support, and work and study assistance for young people aged 12 to 25 years.
Relationships and Family Support
Relationships Australia 1300 364 277
Counselling and support for relationships, separation, family concerns, domestic and family violence, and seniors.
MensLine Australia 1300 78 99 78
Free professional phone and online counselling for men across Australia, available 24 hours a day.
Domestic and Family Violence
DVConnect: Women's Line 1800 811 811
24-hour Queensland crisis support for women affected by domestic and family violence.
DVConnect: Men's Line 1800 600 636
Support for men affected by domestic and family violence.
VictimConnect 1300 318 940
Free and confidential support for people affected by violent crime, including specialist counselling, information and case management.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Support
13YARN 13 92 76
A national 24/7 crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Speak confidentially with an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter.
Brother to Brother 1800 435 799
A dedicated support line for Aboriginal men who need someone to talk to about relationships or family concerns, family violence, parenting, drug and alcohol issues, stress or emotional wellbeing, and other challenges in life
Children and Young People
Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800
Free and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling for children and young people aged 5 to 25 years.
Headspace 1800 650 890
Mental health and wellbeing support for young people aged 12 to 25 years, including alcohol and other drug support.
Open Doors Youth Service (07) 3257 7660
A Queensland service supporting LGBTIQ+ Sistergirl and Brotherboy young people aged 12 to 24 years.
LGBTIQ+ Support
QLife 1800 184 527
Peer support for LGBTIQ+ people and their loved ones wanting to talk about sexuality, gender, relationships, bodies, feelings and other concerns.
Rainbow Door 1800 729 367
A specialist LGBTIQA+ helpline providing information, support and referral for LGBTIQA+ people, their families and friends.
Grief and Loss
Griefline 1300 845 745
Support for anyone experiencing grief, loss, bereavement or significant life changes.
Veterans and Defence Families
Open Arms – Veterans & Families Counselling 1800 011 046
Mental health and wellbeing support for current and former Australian Defence Force personnel and their families.
Refugee and Trauma Support
Queensland Program of Assistance to Survivors of Torture and Trauma (QPASTT) (07) 3391 6677
Free and confidential support for people from refugee backgrounds and people seeking asylum who have experienced torture and trauma. Please note: QPASTT is not a crisis service.
STTARS (08) 8206 8900
Specialised mental health and wellbeing support for humanitarian entrants affected by torture, trauma and difficult pre-migration experiences.
Financial Support
National Debt Helpline 1800 007 007
Free financial counselling and support for people experiencing financial difficulty or debt.
Legal Support
Legal Aid Queensland 1300 65 11 88
Free legal information and assistance.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Information Line 1300 65 01 43
Youth Legal Advice Line 1800 527 527
Carer Support
Carer Gateway 1800 422 737
Free local services and supports for carers, including respite, tailored support packages, and counselling.
Finding Local Support
Ask Izzy is a free website that helps people find local support services, including:
Housing and homelessness support
Food and meals
Mental health services
Domestic and family violence support
Legal assistance
Financial support
Health services
Drug and alcohol services
Remember
You do not have to wait until you are in crisis to ask for help. If you are concerned about your mental health, safety, relationships, alcohol or drug use, finances or general wellbeing, reaching out early can make a significant difference.
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 000.