When things start to feel like too much, it’s okay to ask for help. Here are helplines, online resources, and crisis contacts for students.
Juggling assignments, deadlines, work shifts, and everything else life throws at you can feel like a lot.
If things are starting to feel like too much, it’s okay to ask for help, and there are people ready to listen.
These services are here to support you, but not every option will feel right for everyone. If something doesn’t work for you, it’s okay to try another one.
24/7 Support
1737 – Need to talk?
Call or text 1737
Speak with a trained counsellor anytime.
Depression Helpline
Call 0800 111 757 or text 4202
Talk to a trained counsellor about depression, anxiety, or how you’re feeling.
Lifeline
Call 0800 543 354 or text 4357
Support for emotional distress, loneliness, family issues and more.
Samaritans
0800 726 666
Support for anyone who may be feeling depressed, lonely, or even contemplating suicide.
Health & Wellbeing Support
Healthline
0800 611 116
Free 24/7 advice from registered nurses and paramedics about your health or someone else’s.
Healthify
healthify.nz
Trusted NZ website with easy-to-understand health information and self-help tools.
Just a thought
Free online therapy courses to improve mental health, including anxiety, depression, and stress.
Addiction Support
Alcohol & Drug Helpline
0800 787 797 or text 8681
online chat: alcoholdrughelp.org.nz
Free support if you’re concerned about substance use.
Gambling Helpline
0800 654 655 or text 8006
Free 24/7 support if you’re worried about your own or someone else’s gambling.
Asian Family Services
0800 862 342
Free support for Asian New Zealanders, including gambling harm minimisation.
Quitline
0800 778 778
Free 24/7 support to quit smoking or vaping, with advice, coaching, and tools to help you make a change.
Specialist & Community Support
OUTline Aotearoa
0800 688 5463 or online chat 6-9pm daily
Rainbow mental health support for LGBTQIA+ people, friends, and whānau.
Burnett Foundation Aotearoa
Free and confidential health, counselling, and wellbeing support, particularly for LGBTQIA+ communities.
Diversity Counselling NZ
0800 143 269
Culturally responsive counselling in multiple languages.
Students & Young People Support
Youthline
0800 376 633 or text 234
Support, mentoring, and counselling for young people.
The Lowdown
0800 111 757 or text 5626
Support for young people dealing with depression, anxiety, or life challenges.
Anxiety NZ
0800 269 4389
Free 24/7 support for anyone experiencing stress, anxiety, or panic.
Rainbow Youth
ry.org.nz
Advocacy and support for queer and gender diverse youth.
In a Crisis
Has harm already occurred?
Call 111 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Is harm about to happen?
You can contact your local Mental Health Crisis Team (24/7):
- Auckland – 0800 800717
- Waitemata – 09 822 8501
- Middlemore – 09 261 3700
These services provide urgent mental health support and can help keep you or someone else safe.
You don’t have to handle this alone, help is available, anytime.
If you have any questions, feel free to email advice@ausa.org.nz or come to the AUSA House (4 Alfred Street) on city campus.