Quick Help
- Call 111 and ask for an ambulance if the situation is an emergency and the safety of the person or anyone else is at risk.
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Important contact numbers
The NEED TO TALK helpline - Call or text 1737 to speak with a trained counsellor
Your local Mental Health Crisis Assessment team: Click here to find the phone number for your area
The Emergency Department at your nearest hospital
Lifeline Aotearoa: 0800 LIFELINE (0800 543 354)
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 or free text 4202
Alcohol and Drug Helpline: 0800 787 797 or free text 8681
Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
What to look for
Low moods or being irritable
Changes in the person’s mood or behaviour.
Withdrawing from social activities or hobbies
The person stops doing things they enjoy.
Changes in sleep or appetite
Sleeping too much or too little, or eating more or less than usual.
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Finding it hard to focus on things.
Increased use of alcohol or drugs
This might be their way of coping with mental distress.
Physical symptoms
Such as headaches, stomach aches, or feeling very tired all the time.
How you can help
Listen and reassure
- Listen without judgment. Let the person know that you’re there for them and that you want to listen. Don’t interrupt them or offer advice.
- Offer reassurance. Let the person know that it’s okay to not be okay and that you’re there to help them get through this.
- Be patient. It takes time to heal from mental distress.
- Encourage self-care and social support techniques that work for that person.
Professional help
If you think the person would benefit from professional help, encourage them to see their GP, a therapist or counsellor, or call one of the helplines. There are also many culturally appropriate mental health services available in New Zealand, including Māori-led services.
GP (Family doctor)
A GP is often the best place to start, offer to help the person make an appointment. The GP can refer them to psychiatrists, psychotherapists and counsellors, or give the person access to HIPs (Health Improvement Practitioners).
Online help
There are many helpful resources available online. This might be a good place to start if the person doesn’t feel ready to talk to their doctor or a counsellor yet.
Employee assistance programmes (EAPs)
If the person has access to these services,encourage them to use these services. If so, help them to sign up for the programme.
Emergency help
If the situation is an emergency and the safety of the person or anyone else is at risk, call 111.
| If you have a person in urgent need of medical attention, call 111 now. |
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Book a mental health first aid course
Learn first aid strategies for mental distress, and well-being strategies for prevention.
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