Who to Talk to When It Seems Like No One Will Listen

If you ever need a sympathetic ear, here are the sites to visit and numbers to call.

Trigger warning: This article discusses depression and suicide.

Stressed out by school? Fighting with a friend? Maybe you’re just feeling down right now. Or, perhaps there's something serious going on, and you just don't know how to deal with it by yourself.

No matter what you’re going through, you’re never really alone, even if it sometimes feels that way. In fact, there are plenty of people out there who understand these issues and are available to hear you out.

You may feel most comfortable sharing this stuff with a parent or guardian. Others prefer to confide in a good friend. Regardless, it's important to know your options don’t end there. For instance, reaching out to trained professionals on the other end of a free helpline/online chat service can be a great a first step, especially if you're not sure who to turn to in your personal life.

Here are the best websites and phone numbers, if any of the below situations apply to you.

I NEED URGENT HELP

000

Are you, or someone you're with, in immediate danger? Call 000 in Australia to speak with Emergency Services, or go directly to your nearest hospital emergency department.

Call zero-zero-zero: 000

Suicide Call Back Service

Anyone affected by suicide can get immediate help now from the Suicide Call Back Service, phoning 1300 659 467. The Suicide Call Back Service also offers online and video chat counselling services.

Find them at suicidecallbackservice.org.au or call 1300 659 467

I NEED SOMEONE TO TALK TO

ReachOut

ReachOut Australia has resources for young people, parents and schools on topics like everyday issues, mental health, identity and gender, and relationships. They also have forums and apps to help you maintain your mental fitness and wellbeing. If you need more personalised assistance, but aren’t sure where to go exactly, they have an online service called 'Next Step' that asks you a few anonymous questions and directs you to the right contact, depending on what you’re going through.

Find them at au.reachout.com

Lifeline

Lifeline is a national charity that offers all Australians access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. You can call them on 13 11 14 at any time of day, or chat to them online, nightly, seven days a week. They also have resources available online if you want to read more about domestic and family violence, loss and grief, self-harm and more.

Find them at lifeline.org.au or call 13 11 14

Kids Helpline

Kids Helpline is a free, private and confidential 24/7 phone and online counselling service specifically for young people aged 5 to 25. You can call them anytime, for any reason, at 1800 55 1800. They also have specific resources for 5 to 12 year-olds, 13 to 18 year-olds and 19-25 year-olds, because each age group goes through their own unique experiences!

Find them at kidshelpline.com.au or call 1800 55 1800

Headspace

Headspace offers mental health, physical health and sexual health support to young people through their 100+ centres across Australia, a National Telehealth Service that connects you with highly-skilled psychiatrists via video consultations, and an online and phone support service called eheadspace. They are also able to provide work and study support, and can discuss alcohol and other drug usage.

Find them at headspace.org.au

Beyond Blue

Beyond Blue works to help everyone in Australia achieve their best possible mental health, whatever their age and wherever they live. You can call them 24 hours a day, seven days a week on 1300 22 4636 or chat online 3pm to 12am every day.

Find them at beyondblue.org.au or call 1300 22 4636

Want to read a little more? There are additional resources available to you here at Student Edge.

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