Parents & Carers Crisis Support (Australia)
Australia • Mental Health Crisis Support
Parents & Carers Crisis Support (Australia)
If you’re supporting someone you love through mental health distress, it can feel scary and exhausting. This page offers calm, practical next steps — for them and for you.
Start here (small, doable steps)
When your brain is overloaded, decisions get harder. Pick one option that feels most doable right now. You can always come back and try another one.
“Hi — I’m really worried about someone. They’re not coping and I need help with what to do next.”
Choose the support path that fits
☎️ Crisis support (now)
If you need urgent help or guidance right now, start with Lifeline or other crisis pathways.
Lifeline: 13 11 14 (AU-wide). :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
💬 Chat & text options
If calling feels too hard, try online chat/text options through reputable services.
🧠 Support for the person (practical next steps)
If they’re overwhelmed, simplify: safety first, then one next action.
1) Are you safe right now?
2) Do you want to call, text, or go somewhere safe?
3) One step, then reassess.
🧡 Support for you (parents & carers)
You might be running on adrenaline. You deserve support too — including breaks, backup people, and a plan.
🧩 First Nations crisis support
13YARN offers culturally safe crisis support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
13YARN: 13 92 76 (24/7). :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
🧑🤝🧑 Youth support (if the person is a young person)
If you’re supporting a young person, youth services may fit better than adult pathways.
If you’re supporting someone you love
What to do (simple carer steps)
1) Ground first: slow voice, soft pace, low stimulation.
2) Ask one clear question: “Are you safe right now?”
3) Offer two choices: “Do you want to call someone or text?”
4) Make a micro-plan: one step for the next 10 minutes.
5) Get backup: you don’t have to hold this alone.
“I’m here with you. We don’t have to solve everything right now. Let’s pick one small next step together.”
Find support in my area (Australia)
Choose your state / territory
These buttons are set up as placeholders so you can quickly swap in the correct local crisis/urgent mental health links later. (Common sources include state health “mental health crisis” pages, local hospital mental health triage, or official directories.)
If you’re unsure which local service applies, use a trusted national directory page and search your location.