When to reach out
You don’t have to be in crisis to deserve support.
Grief is not a disorder. But sometimes it sits alongside one — or it can get so heavy that someone trained to help you carry it makes a real difference. Here’s how to tell the difference, and where to start.
Free helplines you can call right now
Lifeline — for crisis and suicidal thoughts
Griefline — for grief and loss
13YARN — for mob, by mob
Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander callers
Beyond Blue — anxiety and depression
Suicide Call Back Service
Including support if you’ve been bereaved by suicide
StandBy — support after suicide
Kids Helpline
For children and young people 5–25
Knowing when grief needs more
When to talk to a GP or counsellor
Grief is hard. Some signs can mean professional support would help sooner rather than later:
- You can’t do basic things — eat, sleep, get dressed — for weeks
- You feel hopeless, or like you’re a burden to others
- You’re drinking more, or using drugs to cope
- You’ve had thoughts of harming yourself or someone else
- You feel completely numb, with nothing reaching you
- Months in, the pain feels exactly as raw as week one
None of these mean anything is wrong with you. They can mean your nervous system is overwhelmed and could use a hand.
How a Mental Health Care Plan works
In Australia, your GP can write a Mental Health Care Plan that gives you up to 10 subsidised sessions a year with a psychologist. You don’t need a diagnosis. Just book a longer appointment with your GP and tell them you’re struggling.
- Book a long (double) appointment
- Say: “I’d like to talk about a Mental Health Care Plan”
- Your GP will ask some questions and write the plan with you
- They’ll refer you to a psychologist — you can ask for one who works with grief
Grief groups — finding people who get it
For many people, being in a room with others who understand — without having to explain — is one of the most healing things. Many hospices, churches and community health services run free or low-cost grief groups. Griefline can help you find one near you.
If you’re thinking about hurting yourself
You are not a burden. Please tell someone.
Grief can be so heavy that the thought of not being here at all can feel like relief. That doesn’t mean you’re weak, broken, or beyond help. It can mean you’re carrying more than any one person should carry alone.
See all 64 guides in Grief & healing →
From bluetulipco.com/library/grief/seek-help — printed 1 October 2026.
General information only — not a substitute for legal, medical, financial, or therapeutic advice. Read the full disclaimer.
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