Most people will be referred to mental health services through their GP or family doctor. In this section you can find out what to do in an emergency and other support including phone and online services and information.
Talk to your GP
If you are worried about your mental health, or think it is getting worse, talk to your GP – they will be able to help you and refer you to you to your local community mental health service or elsewhere if needed.
What to do in an emergency
If you’re seriously concerned about someone’s immediate safety:
- call 111 or take them to the Accident and Emergency Department (A&E) at your nearest hospital
- phone your nearest hospital, or your district health board’s psychiatric emergency service or mental health crisis assessment team
- remain with them and help them to stay safe until support arrives.
Helplines
- Need to talk? (1737 – free call or text) any time for support from a trained counsellor
- The Depression Helpline (0800 111 757) 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)
- Youthline (0800 376 633)
- The Lowdown Text 5626 for support to help young people recognise and understand depression or anxiety.
- Alcohol Drug Helpline (0800 787 797)
Other resources
There are a number of digital mental health and wellbeing tools available with ideas and techniques for looking after your mental wellbeing:
- Groov is an app that you can use to monitor, manage and improve your mental wellbeing by setting daily goals and tracking your progress.
- Small Steps are digital tools to help you maintain wellness, find relief, or get help for yourself, friends or whānau
- HABITs Messenger - (including Aroha Chatbot) a uniquely New Zealand chatbot app designed for young people -it feels like talking with a trusted friend. Download it from the app store on your mobile device.
- Triple P Online – online parenting support including Triple P, Teen Triple P and FearLess Triple P. Designed to help parents support their children and teenagers to cope with lifes, ups and downs, promote wellbeing and make family life more enjoyable.
Find out more from the Ministry
Mental health – Read about the Ministry’s work in the areas of mental health, depression and suicide prevention.
Mental health-related legislation – Legislative Acts relating to mental health and addictions are summarised below. Each Act can be viewed in full on the New Zealand Legislation website.