24/7 Support
Global Mental Health & Anxiety Crisis Hotlines
If you are experiencing distress, anxiety, or a mental health crisis, support is available.
This page lists free, confidential mental health and anxiety crisis hotlines by country. Many operate 24 hours a day and can be accessed by phone, text, or online chat.
If your country is not listed, visit one of the international resources below or do a Google search:
“mental health crisis hotline + your country” (eg : mental health crisis hotline South Africa)
International Crisis Support Resources
If you are unsure which number to call in your country, these global organisations provide directories of mental health crisis centres worldwide:
Australia
Listening Ear
Listening Ear are a free confidential community support service which provides a safe space to talk through your issues. If you are stressed, lonely, or simply need someone to talk to, their volunteers are here to listen. Talking with someone who will listen can make all the difference
Brasil
Germany
TelefonSeelsorge
Telefon Seelsorge is the official online portal for Germany’s 24/7, free, and anonymous telephone counselling service, offering support for various crises via phone, chat, and email. Staffed by trained volunteers, the service primarily operates in German, with international resources available for English speakers
India
The Netherlands
de Luisterlijn
De Luisterlijn is a 24/7, free, and confidential, confidential service providing emotional support via telephone, chat, and email. It offers an anonymous, empathetic listening ear for adults dealing with loneliness, mental health issues, grief, or relationship problems. The service is staffed by ~1,500 trained volunteers and is reachable 24/7
Aotearoa New Zealand
1737
1737 counsellors offer free, confidential, and professional assistance. When an individual reaches out to 1737 via text or call, a counsellor collaborates with them to create a personalized care plan. This plan may involve referrals to other services, further counselling, or the provision of information and support.
AnxietyNZ
0800 ANXIETY Helpline offers a free, round-the-clock national service throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, aimed at supporting and empowering individuals facing stress or anxiety, along with their whānau and friends. Anyone is welcome to reach out for support. We assist everyone, irrespective of age, gender, religious beliefs, or nationality.
South Africa
United Kingdom
United States
Crisis Text Line
We are always here to listen, support and help you feel better. Simply text CONNECT to 741741 for FREE, 24/7 crisis counseling for anxiety. Whether you’re feeling anxious, overwhelmed or unsure how to cope, we’re here to guide you towards safety and calm. Together, we’ll help you find healthy ways to navigate anxiety and move from feeling totally overwhelmed to a cool, calm “I’ve got this.”
What Can I expect when Calling a crisis line?
What can I expect when I call a crisis line?
- A trained volunteer
- A qualified counsellor
- A peer supporter with lived experience
I’m anxious, not suicidal — will they still talk to me?
Yes.
Crisis lines are not only for people who are suicidal. Many people call because they feel overwhelmed, panicked, distressed, or unable to cope.
You do not need to be at “breaking point” to reach out.
If your anxiety feels intense, frightening, or unmanageable, that is reason enough to call.
What should I say?
- “I’m having a hard time right now.”
- “I feel really anxious and I don’t know what to do.”
- “Things feel overwhelming.”
How will they help me?
- A safe, non-judgmental space
- Someone to listen without interruption
- Help calming intense emotions
- Support to think through next steps
What if I just need someone to talk to?
That’s okay too.
Many people contact helplines before things become a crisis.
There are also services called “warmlines” that are specifically designed for conversation and peer support. These are often run by people who have lived experience with mental health challenges.
You do not need a dramatic reason to reach out.
Do I have to call on the phone?
Not always.
Many crisis services now offer:
- Text support
- WhatsApp messaging
- Online chat
If speaking feels overwhelming, writing can feel safer and more manageable.
Check the specific hotline’s website to see what communication options they offer.
Will it be confidential?
Most crisis services are confidential. This means they will not share what you say without your permission.
However, if they believe you are in immediate danger, they may take steps to help keep you safe. Policies vary by country, so you can always ask about confidentiality at the beginning of the call.