If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety or any other mental illness, you should seek support a.s.a.p. from a professional, such as your GP/doctor.
If you find yourself in a situation where you need to talk to someone urgently, contact a support service such as a suicide hotline. Some contacts are:
- In Australia, call Lifeline on 13 11 14
- In New Zealand, call Lifeline Aotearoa on 0800 543 354 or text ‘Help’ to 4357
- In the United Kingdom & Republic of Ireland, call Samaritans on 116 123
- In the USA, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255
- In Canada, call Crisis Services Canada on 1.833.456.4566
- For helplines in other countries, click here and choose your country from the drop-down list at the top of the page (“Find a helpline by Country”)
Note that the countries listed above have other resources also – this is just a selection.
If your life or someone else’s is in immediate danger, call emergency services:
- Australia: 000
- New Zealand: 111
- UK & Ireland: 999
- USA & Canada: 911
- In most countries you can dial 112 from your mobile/cell phone to be connected to local emergency services (especially handy when travelling)
If you are not experiencing suicidal feelings but want to be able to talk to someone else about how you’re feeling, consider an online chat forum such as www.depression-chat-rooms.org to engage in a chat with someone else who may be experiencing similar feelings. I will emphasise, however, that the best and most productive course of action is always to speak with a doctor, therapist or counsellor – because the more you talk about it, the easier it gets.
LET’S TALK ABOUT MENTAL HEALTH © 2020 JEREMY GODWIN
LAST UPDATED 27 FEBRUARY, 2020