Depression support

Depression support

  • Support services and information for people affected by depression and their family/whānau.
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1737(external link)
Free call or text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day to talk or text with a trained counsellor.

ACROSS(external link)
ACROSS is an Anglican, Catholic and Community support service providing social work, counselling and foster care services to families in the Palmerston North area. Phone 06 356 7486 or email enquiries@ across.org.nz.

Asian Family Services(external link) 0800 862 342 Professional, confidential, nationwide face-to-face or telephone support to Asians living in New Zealand.

Evolve Peer Support Trust(external link) 
Based in Hamilton, phone (07) 444 5053 or email andre@evolvepeertrust.com. A mindfulness-based peer run Charitable Trust with a focus on people with anxiety and/or depression to improve their quality of life and mental well being. Providing peer support groups, peer-led programmes and mindfulness sessions.

Family Mental Health Support Inc South Canterbury(external link) 
Phone 0800 732 000 or email office@famhs.nz. A free support service that offers a range of support options that might include information and education about mental illness and addiction, problem-solving, crisis planning and liaison/advocacy with other services. Referrals come from all sources, including self referrals.

GROW Mental Health(external link)
Phone or text 021 049 1360. A free service providing community support groups for mental illness and personal development, face-to-face or online. Illnesses include depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, suicidal thoughts, PTSD, addictive behaviours and psychosis.

Healthline(external link)
Freephone 24-hour helpline on 0800 611 116. Healthline is staffed by experienced registered nurses who can provide you with health information and advice on care. 

Kidsline(external link)
Freephone 0800 543 754 (0800 KIDSLINE). For kids who want to talk to other kids about how they're feeling. Chat with specially-trained year 12 and 13 students, who are there to listen.

Lifeline(external link) 
Freephone 0800 543 354. Provides safe, effective and innovative services that support the emotional and mental wellbeing of our communities.

Suicide Prevention Helpline(external link) 
Freephone 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOK0).

Mental Health Foundation of NZ(external link) 
Phone (09) 623 4812 (Auckland) or (03) 366 6936 (Christchurch). Information on mental health conditions, where to get help and how to support those you love and care about.

Samaritans(external link) 
Freephone 24-hour helpline on 0800 726 666. For non-judgemental, confidential support to anyone who is lonely or in emotional distress. 

The Low Down(external link) 
Free text 5626. Information on depression and its symptoms, and advice on what to do if you think you or a friend are experiencing depression. Hear from musicians, celebrities and everyday people sharing their own personal experiences with depression.

The National Depression Initiative(external link)
Freephone 0800 111 757, text line 4202. Talk to a trained volunteer or a professional counsellor from one of a variety of telephone support services. Connect with face-to-face support groups around NZ and more.

ThroughBlue(external link) 
Wellington-based support group for women with experience of depression. Providing a friendly and non-threatening environment, with group support and counsellors.  Also includes an educational element on actively manage depression.

What’s Up - free phone help for kids(external link)
Freephone 0800 What's Up (0800 942 8787) – a free counselling service just for kids and/or teens. So, if you need support or someone to talk to, call What's Up – no matter what the issue, the What's Up counsellors will listen.

Youthline – free counselling for young people(external link)
Freephone 0800 37 66 33 for 24/7 support. Free TXT 234 between 8am and midnight. Provides access to support and help for young people, as well as leadership development and upskilling. 

OUTLine(external link) 
Freephone 0800 688 5463 (0800 OUTLINE) – for people with sexuality or gender identity issues.

Alcohol Drug Helpline(external link) 
Freephone 0800 787 797, free text 8681 or online chat – for people dealing with alcohol or other drug problems.

Rural Support(external link) 
Freephone 0800 787 254 – for people in rural communities.

Refugees as Survivors(external link) 
Freephone 0800 472 769 – for refugees and asylum seekers.

Rangitāne o Tamaki nui a Rua Incorporated(external link)
Phone 06 374 6860 or email tamakinuiarua@rangitane.co.nz. Provides a wide range of support services to whānau ranging from alcohol & drug, smoking, mental health, asthma to screening in the Tararua region. 

Mental health crisis assessment teams(external link) 
Each DHB has a mental health crisis team who are available for emergencies only. 

See also: support services for postnatal depression

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