Help Lines
If you are in a crisis, I strongly urge you to seek relevant professional help immediately.
For counselling and support in Aotearoa, New Zealand
Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP) –- for counselling and support.
Samaritans 0800 726 666 – for confidential support for anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress
Depression Helpline 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 – to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions
Healthline 0800 611 116 – for advice from trained registered nurses
www.depression.org.nz – includes The Journal free online self-help tool
All services are free, and are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise stated.
For children & young people
Youthline 0800 376 633, free text 234, email talk@youthline.co.nz or webchat at www.youthline.co.nz (webchat available 7pm – 11pm) – for young people and their parents, whānau and friends
What’s Up 0800 942 8787 (0800 WHATSUP) or webchat at www.whatsup.co.nz from 5pm – 10pm for 5-18 year olds
Kidsline 0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE) – for young people up to 18 years of age'
www.thelowdown.co.nz visit the website or free text 5626 – for support for young people experiencing depression or anxiety
www.auntydee.co.nz – a free online tool for anyone who needs help working through problems
www.sparx.org.nz – an online self-help tool that helps teens.
For help with specific issues
0508 Tautoko Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 – for support if you’re in distress, or worried that someone may be at risk of suicide or for those who are grieving a loss
OUTLine 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) – for sexuality or gender identity issues (10am – 9pm Monday to Friday, and 6pm – 9pm weekends)
Alcohol Drug Helpline 0800 787 797, free text 8681 or online chat at alcoholdrughelp.org.nz – for people dealing with alcohol or other drug problems
Women’s Refuge Crisis Line 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) – for women living with violence, or in fear, in their relationship or family
Māori Women’s Refuge Crisis Line 0800 733 843 or visit womensrefuge.org.nz/get-help/maori-wahine/
Anxiety Helpline 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY)
Shakti Crisis Line 0800 742 584 (0800 SHAKTI) – for migrant or refugee women living with family violence
Rape Crisis 0800 883 300 – for support after rape or sexual assault
PlunketLine 0800 933 922 – support for parents, including mothers experiencing post-natal depression
Rural Support 0800 787 254 – for people in rural communities dealing with financial or personal challenges
Refugees as Survivors 0800 472 769 or www.rasnz.co.nz – psychological support for refugees and asylum seekers
EDANZ 0800 233 269 or www.ed.org.nz – for information, support and resources about supporting someone with an eating disorder