Skip to main content

I feel overwhelmed and struggling

When things become overwhelming and stress is mounting, it can be hard to see a way through. It may seem as though you've tried everything and nothing is making a difference.

You might be in this stage if you're:

  • losing hope for the future
  • finding it hard to enjoy things or feel happy
  • doubting your ability to cope
  • losing motivation or struggling to get going
  • noticing everyday tasks feel harder than normal
  • having unwanted, negative thoughts
  • thinking others might be better off without you

You don't have to go through this alone. Reaching out can be the hardest step - but it's also the most important. Talk to somebody you trust, contact a rural support service, or speak with a health professional. Help is available and it can make a real difference.

When we are overwhelmed and struggling these supports can help:

  • contact your family or other support networks
  • visit your GP
  • for life threatening situations call an ambulance or the police on 000
  • for non-urgent police assistance call 13 14 44
  • Call HealthDirect Australia on 1800 022 222

Mental Health Triage Service 13 14 65

For help in a mental health emergency, the Mental Health Triage Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Mental Health Emergency is the main point of access for mental health services and is staffed by mental health clinicians. It will assess and refer to acute response teams where appropriate.

Call the Mental Health Triage Service on 13 14 65

Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467

The Suicide Call Back Service is a 24/7 nationwide service providing telephone counselling to people aged 18 and over who are feeling suicidal, caring for someone who is suicidal or bereaved by suicide.

Call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467

Visit the Suicide Call Back Service website

Medicare mental health centres

Medicare mental health centres provide a safe and welcoming place for anyone to access free, quality mental health care over extended hours. Centres can be contacted in person or by phone.

Visit the Country SA PHN website to access services for Mount Gambier, Port Pirie and Mount Barker

Visit the Sonder website to access services for Northern Adelaide

National Phone Service - Medicare mental health 1800 595 212

The free phone line is for anyone seeking support and guidance, including family members and carers. The service can connect you to a local service that best meets your needs, including your nearest Medicare mental health service, or other trusted mental health providers.

The service is available Monday - Friday, 8.30 am - 5.00 pm.

Call the Medicare mental health national phone service on 1800 595 212

Visit the Medicare mental health website

If you or someone else needs help, support or advice you can call:

Lifeline 13 11 14

Lifeline 24/7 counselling service provides crisis and suicide prevention support through telephone and online counselling.

Call Lifeline on 13 11 14

Visit the Lifeline website

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Beyond Blue provides 24/7 access to trained mental health professionals who will listen and provide information and advice. Online chat is also available 24/7.

Call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636

Visit the Beyond Blue website

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Kids Helpline is a free, confidential and anonymous 24/7 counselling service for young people aged 5-25 years. Counselling is offered by phone, email and online chat.

Call Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800

Visit the Kids Helpline website

13YARN 13 92 76

13YARN is a national crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. 13YARN offers a confidential one-on-one yarning opportunity with a Lifeline-trained Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander crisis supporter who can provide crisis support 24/7.

Call 13YARN on 13 92 76

Visit the 13YARN website

Parent Helpline 1300 364 100

The Women's and Children's Health Network Parent Helpline provides 24/7 telephone information and support. It provides information about health, behaviour and relationships for parents and people working with children and young people. Calls received between 7.15 am and 9.15 pm (CST) will be answered by local Parent Helpline Staff. Calls received outside these hours will be automatically redirected to the National HealthDirect Helpline.

Call the Parent Helpline on 1300 364 100

Visit the Child and Family Health Service website

Headspace Adelaide 1800 063 267

Headspace services are available across Metropolitan Adelaide and in country areas. Headspace offers a range of supports for young people who are experiencing a tough time or are worried about their mental health.

Call Headspace on 1800 063 267

Visit the Headspace website

I Farm Well

I Farm Well has been designed by Australian farmers to help other Australian farmers cope effectively with life's challenges and get the most out of every day.

Visit the I Farm Well website

This information is not designed to be the only support someone who is experiencing a crisis receives.

If you need immediate support, speak to a friend or family member you trust and speak to a professional.

Pass it on

If you found the information on this page helpful, please share it with others.

Seeking help now?

If you or someone you know are at immediate risk of harm:

If you would like to talk to someone or are seeking mental health support or advice, people and services are available:

Was this page useful to you?

Useful