Getting help
If you are experiencing symptoms of depression contact your GP or local Community Mental Health Centre (you will find contact details in the front of the phone book under 'hospitals and other health service providers').
National Depression Helpline
Freephone: 0800 111 757
8am to midnight
Provides support from 8am to midnight, 365 days a year. Callers can talk to a trained counsellor who can discuss their situation and offer information, and if necessary, advice on local services.
The Lowdown website
Free text (5626)
A website for young people that features well-known musicians and sports people talking about their experiences of depression. It's backed up by personalised support - a team of counsellors (the Lowdown Team) and can be accessed by texting 5626 (free), via email or phone through the website, or via webcam.
Some people you could talk to
- Friends or family
- Church support services - you could talk with a pastor, priest, or minister and some churches provide counselling and pastoral support
- Your local Citizen's Advice Bureau may be able to tell you about support services in your area
- Marae based community support services
- Cultural group based community support services
- The guidance counsellor or public health nurse at your school
- Your local drop-in centre for youth.
Telephone counselling services
Lifeline
0800 543 354 Available 24 hours chris "at" lifeline.co.nz
Samaritans
0800 726 666
Youthline
0800 376 633 talk "at" youthline.co.nz Text: 027 4 YOUTHS
See your White Pages for further local contact phone numbers
National numbers
- Gambling Problem Helpline Service 0800 654 655
- Alcohol Drug Association 0800 787 797
- Alcoholics Anonymous 0800 229 6757
- Alcohol Hotline 0800 787 797
- Outline (gay, lesbian, transgender support) 0800 802 437
- Chinese Lifeline 0800 888 880
Depression support groups
These are the depression or general mental health support groups that we know of. If you know of other support groups not listed here please email us the details.
Other directories
Citizen's Advice Bureau 0800 367 222
Support Find Website (under construction)
Family and Community Directory
Webhealth
Your local mental health consumer network
Your local women's or men's centre
