Mental health support over the holidays
Whilst the festive period can be joy-filled, it can also bring about feelings of depression, anxiety, envy, and loneliness which can stem from existing mental health challenges, a recent loss, the anniversary of the loss of a loved one, jam-packed social commitments, emotional and financial pressures from family and friends, as well as family strife.
Sometimes, our own efforts to improve our mental health around this time of year are not effective enough. When this happens, it’s important to know that you are not alone, and you should permit yourself to reach out for help.
Seeking professional help can make a big difference in reducing your holiday-related stress and improving your emotional health.
A wide range of in-person, free mental health support is available throughout Adelaide over the holiday period, even on public holidays.
Northern Adelaide
Walk-in After-hours Mental Health Service
- Open 5 pm – 9 pm, Monday to Friday (including public holidays)
- Located at 2 Peachey Road, Edinburgh North
- For people aged 16 years and over
Drop-in service where you can speak to Mental Health Clinicians and Peer Practitioners with lived experience of mental health concerns. Get support to manage emotional distress and connect to more services if needed.
Safe Haven
- Open 5 pm – 9 pm, Tuesday to Friday (including public holidays)
- Located at 9 John Street, Salisbury
- For people aged 16 years and over
Drop-in service for people feeling overwhelmed or distressed. The team at Safe Haven are trained Peer Practitioners who have their own personal lived experience of mental health challenges. If you don’t feel like chatting with someone, you can spend time in a quiet space and relax in a comfortable environment.
Central Adelaide
Urgent Mental Health Care Centre
- Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including public holidays)
- Located at 215 Grenfell Street, Adelaide
- For people aged over 16
Safe, welcoming and inclusive urgent mental health support.
Southern Adelaide
Walk-in After-hours Mental Health Service
- Open 5 pm – 10 pm, Monday to Friday (including public holidays)
- Located at Noarlunga GP Pls Super Clinic, Alexander Kelly Drive, Noarlunga Centre
- For people aged 16 years and over
Immediate, in-person support provided by a combination of peer-led recovery and clinical support staff who work with you to understand your needs, and what may help now, and link you with the right support for the future.
Crisis helplines
If you or someone you care for requires immediate support, contact one of the below services that can offer assistance 24 hours a day.
- Triple 0 (Ambulance, Fire, Police) 000
- Mental Health Triage 13 14 65
- Suicide Call Back Service 1300 659 467
- Lifeline 13 11 14
- 13 Yarn (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) 13 92 76
- Brother to Brother (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men) 1800 435 799
- Kids Helpline (children and young people aged 5 to 25) 1800 55 1800
Non-crisis helplines
Lived Experience Telephone Support Line (LETSS) 1800 013 755
Available 5 pm – 11.30 pm, 7 days a week. Or talk with someone using their online chat service.
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or talk with someone online via their webchat support service.
QLife 1800 184 527
LGBTIQA+ support line for sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings or relationships. Available 3 pm – 12 am, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Or talk with someone using their webchat service.
Blue Knot Helpline 1300 657 380
Survivors of childhood trauma and abuse helpline. Available 9.30 am – 5.30 pm in SA, 7 days a week.
PANDA Perinatal Mental Health Helpline 1300 726 306
New and expecting parents support line. Available 9 am – 7.30 pm (Monday to Friday) and 9 am – 4 pm (Saturdays and public holidays).
eheadspace
Young people (aged 12 – 25) phone and online support. Learn more