Mental health

Hauora Hinengaro

If you or someone else is experiencing a mental health crisis, there are a range of support services available.

For urgent health care phone 111 and ask for an ambulance.

If you need to find out more information about mental health we recommend you connect with your camp or base Medical officer or Social Worker.

You can phone the NZDF 4U Wellbeing Support phone line 24/7 to access support for members and NZDF whānau and Veterans on 0800 693 348.

National helplines

Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.

Suicide Crisis Helpline. 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

Lifeline. 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)

Samaritans. 0800 726 666 

Healthline. 0800 611 116

Help for parents, family and friends

Parent Help. 0800 568 856 for parents/whānau seeking support, advice and practical strategies on all parenting concerns. It's anonymous, non-judgemental and confidential.

Family Services 211 Helpline. 0800 211 211 for help finding (and direct transfer to) community based health and social support services in your area.

Skylight. 0800 299 100 for support through trauma, loss and grief; 9am–5pm weekdays.

Yellow Brick Road. Supporting families towards mental wellbeing. 

Le Va. Information and support for Pasifika families on mental health, addiction and suicide prevention. Check out their facebook page.

Helplines for tamariki, children and young people

Youthline. 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email or online chat.

The Low Down. Free text 5626 or email.

What's Up. 0800 942 8787 (for 5–18 year olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday 12noon–11pm, and weekends 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available from 3pm–10pm, 7 days a week, including all public holidays.

Other specialist helplines

Alcohol and Drug Helpline. 0800 787 797 or online chat.

Are You OK. 0800 456 450 A family violence helpline.

Gambling Helpline. 0800 654 655

Anxiety NZ. 0800 269 4389 (0800 ANXIETY).

Depression Helpline. 0800 111 757 or free text 4202 (to talk to a trained counsellor about how you are feeling or to ask any questions).

www.depression.org.nz. A website providing information and resources to those experiencing depression.

OUTLine NZ. 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) provides confidential telephone support.

Seniorline. 0800 725 463 A free information service for older people.

Shine. 0508 744 633 A confidential domestic abuse helpline.

Women's Refuge Crisisline. 0800 733 843 (0800 REFUGE) For women living with violence - or in fear - in their relationship or family.

Safe to Talk. 0800 044 334 or free text 4334 for help to do with sexual harm. Available 24/7 and staffed by trained counsellors.

Vagus Line. 0800 56 76 666 (Mon, Wed, Fri 12 noon–2pm) Promote family harmony among the Chinese community, enhance parenting skills, decrease conflict among family members (couple, parent-child, in-laws) and stop family violence.

Shakti Crisis Line. 0800 742 584. For migrant or refugee women living with family violence.

PlunketLine. 0800 933 922. Support for parents, including mothers experiencing post-natal depression.

District Health Board Mental Health Crisis Response Teams by Main Camp/Base

All District Health Board Mental Health Crisis Response Teams