Depression helpline – free phone support

One in six New Zealanders will experience serious depression, at some time in their life.

It’s not easy facing up to the thought that you might be depressed. But it’s important to understand how serious it might be, so you can find a way to deal with it.

The websites listed here are part of a national public health campaign called the National Depression Initiative, run through the New Zealand Ministry of Health, and have been created to reduce the impact of depression on the lives of New Zealanders.

The websites - and text/phone lines - aim to help New Zealanders recognise and understand depression, and encourage people to seek appropriate help.

Contact details

Depression helpline  - freephone  0800 111 757 – to talk to a trained counsellor.

Also visit the website to explore the signs and symptoms of depression, take the self-test, which can guide you towards the right treatment option, learn more about depression, finding a way through it, staying well, and read other people’s stories.

Website: www.depression.org.nz

Young people with depression

Approximately one in seven young people in New Zealand will experience a major depressive disorder before the age of 24. The Lowdown website (below) has been created to help young people understand and deal with depression.

The website contains information on depression, signs and symptoms, a self-test, a chat messageboard, self-help strategies, how to get help, and other people’s stories.

FREE TEXT 5626 for help

Email: team@thelowdown.co.nz

Website: www.thelowdown.co.nz