1737 – Need to talk? Free call or text any time to access support from trained counsellors
What to do in crisis
It’s ok to reach out for help – never hesitate if you are concerned for someone else or yourself.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please contact your local Crisis team. If this is not an emergency but you would like to talk to a trained counsellor for free 24/7 confidential help, advice or support, you can free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency:
- Please phone 111
- Or go to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED)
What to do in crisis
It’s ok to reach out for help – never hesitate if you are concerned for someone else or yourself.
If you are experiencing a mental health emergency please contact your local Crisis team. If this is not an emergency but you would like to talk to a trained counsellor for free 24/7 confidential help, advice or support, you can free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
In the event of a life-threatening emergency:
- Please phone 111
- Or go to your nearest hospital emergency department (ED)
1737 – Need to talk? Free call or text any time to access support from trained counsellors
Here are sites and resources that you can access right now
Everyone feels sad or down sometimes, but when these feelings last a long time, it can be really tough.
Here are some ideas that might help while you wait for 1737 support:
- Try these depression related apps and online tools
- Check out this wellbeing space for more tools and information
- Talk to someone you trust about how you’re feeling
- Engage in activities you enjoy, even if you don’t feel like it
- Practice self-care by eating well, exercising, and making sure you have enough down-time
- Consider joining a support group for people experiencing similar feelings
B. Relationship issues (whānau/ family, friends, partner)
Relationships can bring a lot of joy but at times they all experience some natural stress. Whether it’s with family, friends, or a partner, misunderstandings and conflicts can be hard to handle.
Here are some ideas that might help while you wait for 1737 support:
- Try these depression related apps and online tools
- Understand more about relationship breakdowns
- Learn about adult attachment styles
- Seek support from friends and/or family
- Take time to process emotions; no feeling is ‘bad’
- Engage in activities that help you relax and de-stress
- Communicate your feelings, you could try writing these down if talking seems overwhelming
C. Anxiety
Anxiety is a feeling of worry, nervousness, or unease about something with an uncertain outcome. It’s a common experience that many people go through.
Here are some ideas that might help while you wait for 1737 support:
- Practice breathing exercises or mindfulness techniques
- Try out some anxiety management apps
- Hear about how others experience anxiety
- Engage in regular physical activity to reduce stress
- Try limiting caffeine and alcohol, which can increase anxiety
- Use relaxation techniques like meditation or yoga
Grief is a natural response to loss and it’s not just about feeling sad. It can manifest in many different ways.
Here are some ideas that might help while you wait for 1737 support:
- Acknowledge your feelings and remember that it’s okay to grieve in your own way
- Practice self-compassion and give yourself the care you need
- Reach out to others to express your feelings and talk about your loss
- Identify strategies that might help, however small
- Avoid making major decisions until you feel more stable.
E. Stress
Everyone experiences stress at some point, and it can occur when we face some form of pressure (whether real or imagined, the impact is the same).
Here are some ideas that might help while you wait for 1737 support:
- Understand your stress and make a plan to manage it
- Manage worry through “worry time”
- Recognise your body’s response to panic
- Try techniques such as meditation and deep breathing to help you stay calm and focused
- Keep in touch with friends and family/whanau for support
- Spend time doing activities you enjoy to help take your mind off stress. Maybe even try something you have always wanted to!
Loneliness is a feeling of sadness or distress about being by yourself or feeling disconnected from others. It’s not just about being alone.
Here are some ideas that might help while you wait for 1737 support:
- Stay socially connected through social activities, support groups, or online communities
- Check out this 10 point list on identifying loneliness
- Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfilment
- Make sure you’re getting enough sleep, eating well, and exercising
- Consider volunteering or joining a club to meet new people
Helpful Free Resources
Healthline is a free over-the-phone health service available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If you or someone in your family is unwell, you can call Healthline and speak to experienced nurses and paramedics for health advice and information about what to do next.

YOUTHLINE
Our Helpline service is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Free 24/7 text 234
Free 24/7 call 0800 37 66 33
Email talk@youthline.co.nz
Chat via Webchat

THE LOWDOWN
Welcome to the Lowdown, a space created with rangatahi, for rangatahi. Find support here for your hauora, identity, culture and mental health.
SMALL STEPS
Small Steps are digital tools, developed by the National Public Health Service in Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand in partnership with Clearhead. The Small Steps website is a place where people of Aotearoa New Zealand can take small steps on their journey to improve wellbeing.
Whether you’re here to maintain wellness, find relief, or get help for yourself, friends or whānau, we’re here with you, for you – he waka eke noa.
