How can Lifeline help?

Lifeline exists so that no one in Australia has to face their darkest moments alone. Whether you're in crisis, feeling lost, or just need someone to listen, our trained crisis supporters are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week offering free and confidential support.

Our crisis supporters help by:

• Listening without judgement
• Giving you space to talk or write about what’s on your mind
• Helping you make sense of what you’re feeling
• Supporting your safety and wellbeing
• Working with you to decide any next steps, if that’s something you want.

We know that reaching out for support can feel overwhelming. You don’t need to have the ‘right words’ or even fully understand what you're feeling. Many people start by saying, 'I don’t know why I called.' You can begin wherever you feel comfortable, and trust that we’ll be here to listen.

Keep reading to learn how to connect with a Lifeline Crisis Supporter and what to expect when you reach out.

How can I contact Lifeline?

You can:

• Speak with us by calling 13 11 14
• Text with us by sending a message to 0477 13 11 14
• Chat with us online by visiting lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat

Our services are free, confidential, and available 24/7 across Australia.

What happens when I call, text, or chat with Lifeline?

Everyone’s different, and the way you reach out for support is completely up to you.

Some people prefer to text because they’re at school, work, or in a public place where they can’t speak freely. Others may not feel ready for a voice conversation, and that’s okay. Whatever your reason, we’re here to support you in a way that feels comfortable.

Below, we've outlined what it's like to call, text, or chat online with a crisis supporter.

If you’re placed in a queue, please know that we haven’t forgotten you. We understand that waiting can feel frustrating, especially when you need support, but please hold on. A crisis supporter will be with you as soon as possible.

If you're feeling distressed and want something to help you cope while waiting, you may find a grounding technique like box breathing to be helpful. Click here to learn more about grounding techniques and how to use them.

'The crisis supporter wasn’t overwhelmed by how I was feeling. I knew if I had called a friend or family member, they would have been scared. But she wasn’t. She was everything I needed in that moment. And because of her, I got home safe and found the courage to call my GP the next day.'

What if Lifeline doesn’t feel right for me, but I still need support?

If speaking with a Lifeline Crisis Supporter doesn’t feel right for you, that’s okay. There are many other ways to find support. You might prefer to explore resources on your own, connect with a professional, or try an online community.

You can:

• Stay in the Support Toolkit: Discover practical techniques and strategies, hear stories from others, or learn about common mental health topics.
• Talk to a GP: They can help you create a Mental Health Treatment Plan, which provides access to Medicare-subsidised sessions with a psychologist or counsellor.
• Explore other support services: Depending on what you're going through, there may be a specialised service that suits your needs. Visit our support services page or use Lifeline's Service Finder to find local and national options.
• Browse online tools and forums: You might find support through peer-led communities like Lifeline Forums, or other mental health apps and websites. Click here to discover tools and apps that can help you look after your wellbeing.

There’s no right or wrong way to get support. What matters is finding what works for you. Reaching out for support, whatever that looks like for you, is something to be proud of.