SUPPORT THROUGH CRISIS & RECOVERY
Navigating a mental health crisis
A mental health crisis can leave you feeling overwhelmed, frightened or unsure what to do next. You deserve support, and recovery is possible. You do not need to work through everything today—start with safety, then take one manageable step at a time.
Get urgent help when you need it
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, or you cannot keep yourself safe, call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department. If possible, ask someone you trust to stay with you while help is arranged.
Call 000For someone to talk to during a crisis, Lifeline is available 24/7: call 13 11 14 or text 0477 13 11 14.
Explore urgent support options · Healthdirect’s crisis guidance
The steps below can support you through the crisis and into recovery. You can begin with whichever support you need most.
1. Let people know what you are going through
You do not have to carry this alone. Tell someone you trust—a friend, family member, GP, counsellor or support worker. You do not need to explain everything perfectly.
“I’m struggling with my mental health and I need some support. Could you stay with me, check in tomorrow, or help me organise an appointment?”
Be specific about what would help. If the first person cannot respond supportively, reach out to someone else. Their response does not determine whether you deserve help.
2. Reconnect with what gives your life meaning
Think about the people, activities, values and possibilities that matter to you. These might include a relationship, a pet, creativity, faith, nature, helping others or something you would like to experience.
Your “why” does not have to be a grand purpose. It might simply be wanting to feel more at ease or enjoy an ordinary day again. Write down a few reminders if that helps. If you cannot feel a sense of meaning right now, you still deserve care—you do not have to find your motivation before receiving support.
3. Take time out and reduce the pressure
Give yourself permission to scale back where you can. This might mean taking leave, postponing a commitment, asking for help with meals or reducing stressful conversations.
Keep expectations gentle. Rest, regular meals and a manageable routine can be part of looking after yourself. Time out can include safe company and professional support; you do not have to withdraw from everyone. Ask your care team what would be helpful for your situation.
4. Connect with the right resources, including free or subsidised care
You do not need to know which service is the perfect fit before making contact. A GP or mental health service can help you understand your options and arrange appropriate care.
Ask about fees, eligibility, waiting times, referrals and what support is available while you wait. A GP Mental Health Treatment Plan may help cover some treatment costs, although a gap fee can still apply. Healthdirect’s treatment plan guide.
If organising care feels overwhelming, ask someone to help make the call or come to the appointment. Do not delay urgent help while looking for the cheapest option.
Browse resources and filter by cost · Explore assessment & therapy
5. Schedule regular support and make a plan for difficult moments
Arrange follow-up appointments and check-ins so you know when you will next speak with someone. Together with your care team, agree on what you are working towards and how you will review whether the support is helping.
If there is a risk of self-harm or suicide, create a safety plan with a professional or trusted supporter. Include warning signs, ways to cope, people to contact and steps to make your surroundings safer. Keep it somewhere easy to find. Beyond Now safety planning.
6. Make time for connection with friends, family or community
Choose people who help you feel safe, accepted and understood. Connection can be small: a short phone call, a walk, a shared meal or simply sitting together.
Make arrangements concrete—“Could we have a ten-minute call on Wednesday?”—and let people know how much energy you have. You do not have to talk about your mental health every time. If friends or family are unavailable or unsuitable, consider a facilitated peer group or community support service.
7. Read books or listen to audiobooks about mental health and recovery
Learning can help you find words for your experiences and questions to bring to your care team. Choose reliable, compassionate material that is relevant to what you are going through.
Ask a clinician or librarian for suggestions. Start with a few pages or a short listening session, and pause if it feels overwhelming. Reading is an optional resource, not homework you must finish to recover.
Prefer listening? Not Alone, Dads Alive, The Blokes Psychology Podcast, Welcome to the Yarn Barn and Let’s Talk About Mental Health offer stories and conversations to explore at your own pace.
8. Watch videos that offer realistic hope
Look for information from recognised mental health organisations, qualified professionals and people sharing thoughtful accounts of their own recovery.
Personal stories can offer encouragement, but each person’s experience is different. Be cautious about promises of guaranteed cures or advice to stop prescribed treatment. Bring useful ideas to your care team, and step away from content that leaves you distressed or pressured to compare your progress.
9. Remember the parts of yourself that extend beyond this crisis
Think about interests, relationships, strengths or everyday moments that have mattered to you. A favourite song, an old hobby or a familiar place might offer a gentle point of connection.
You do not have to become exactly who you were before. If difficulties have been longstanding, you can also think about the life you would like to build. Recovery can mean a fulfilling life with or without ongoing symptoms, and it looks different for everyone. Healthdirect on recovery.