Mental Health Support Resources
Sometimes journaling can bring difficult thoughts, memories or emotions to the surface.
If something you’ve read or written has left you feeling distressed, overwhelmed or unable to cope, please pause. You do not have to work through everything alone, and you do not need to wait until things become unbearable before asking for support.
This page contains free and confidential services that may be able to help.
If You or Someone Else Is in Immediate Danger
If you are in Australia and you or someone else is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000) or go to the nearest hospital emergency department.
If you are outside Australia, call your local emergency number.
Crisis and Mental Health Support in Australia
Lifeline
Lifeline provides confidential crisis support at any time of the day or night.
- Call 13 11 14
- Text 0477 13 11 14
- Use the Lifeline online chat
All three services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Beyond Blue
Beyond Blue provides free and confidential support for anxiety, depression and general mental health concerns.
- Call 1300 22 4636
- Chat with a Beyond Blue counsellor online
Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Suicide Call Back Service
The Suicide Call Back Service offers free professional counselling for people who are feeling suicidal, worried about someone else or affected by suicide.
- Call 1300 659 467
- Access online counselling
Telephone and online counselling are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Visit Suicide Call Back Service
Support for Young People
Kids Helpline
Kids Helpline provides free, private and confidential counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.
- Call 1800 55 1800
- Use the Kids Helpline webchat
Phone and online counselling are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Support
13YARN
13YARN provides free and confidential crisis support from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporters.
There is no shame or judgment. It is a culturally safe place to talk about what is happening and what support you may need.
- Call 13 92 76
Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
LGBTIQ+ Peer Support
QLife
QLife provides free and anonymous LGBTIQ+ peer support and referrals for people who want to talk about sexuality, gender, bodies, relationships or how they are feeling.
- Call 1800 184 527
- Use the QLife webchat
Phone and webchat support are available every day from 3 pm to 9 pm.
Domestic, Family or Sexual Violence Support
1800RESPECT
1800RESPECT is Australia’s national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling, information and support service.
- Call 1800 737 732
- Text 0458 737 732
- Use the 1800RESPECT online chat or video call
Support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you are worried that someone may see you visiting the website, 1800RESPECT includes information about using its quick-exit feature and increasing your online safety.
Financial Stress and Debt
National Debt Helpline
If financial pressure or debt is affecting your mental health, the National Debt Helpline provides free, confidential and independent financial counselling.
A financial counsellor can help you understand your options, prioritise debts, create a realistic plan and communicate with creditors.
- Call 1800 007 007
- Use the online chat through the National Debt Helpline website
Visit the National Debt Helpline
Finding Ongoing Professional Support
A GP can be a useful first point of contact if your mental health is affecting your daily life.
They can listen to what has been happening, discuss treatment and support options, and help you access a psychologist or another qualified mental health professional if appropriate.
You do not need to have a diagnosis or know exactly what kind of help you need before making an appointment. You can simply begin by saying:
“I haven’t been feeling like myself, and I think I need some support.”
If the first person you speak to does not feel like the right fit, you are allowed to try someone else.
Support Outside Australia
If you live outside Australia, Find A Helpline can help you locate verified crisis and emotional-support services in your country.
- United States – 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988
- United Kingdom – Samaritans at 116 123
- Europe-wide – Mental Health Europe Resources
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call your country’s emergency number or go to your nearest hospital emergency department.
A Note From Thoughtful Minds Collective
Thoughtful Minds Collective creates journaling prompts and resources for personal reflection, self-discovery and everyday wellbeing.
Our content is not a substitute for therapy, diagnosis, medical care or personalised advice from a qualified health professional. Journaling can be a valuable tool, but it is not always the right tool for every person or every moment.
You are always allowed to:
- Stop writing
- Skip a prompt
- Close the journal
- Ground yourself in the present
- Talk to someone you trust
- Ask for professional support
You do not have to push through distress to make journaling “work.”
Please also read our Disclaimer for further information.
Support services and contact details were checked in August 2026. Services can change, so please confirm current availability directly with the provider.