Mental health and emotional support
Having a chronic illness can affect your mental and emotional wellbeing. Learn where you can access information, support services, and support groups.
Talk to your doctor
You do not have to cope with a chronic illness alone. Talk to your doctor about getting access to mental health support services, including:
- counselling
- psychology
- social workers.
You may be able to get some of these services for no or low cost.
Support groups
Support groups can be a useful way to meet and talk to people who are in a similar situation. They can be held in person or online.
To find a group, ask your doctor, hospital or community health centre.
You can also find information and support at:
- Cancer Institute NSW, Canteen and Cancer Council NSW
- Heart Foundation
- Dementia Australia
- Arthritis Australia
- Diabetes Australia
- Painaustralia.
Other support services
For information, help and support, contact:
- Lifeline on 13 11 14 for confidential crisis support at any time
- BeyondBlue on 1300 224 636 for help with depression and anxiety
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800 for phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25
- Mensline Australia on 1300 789 978 for telephone and online counselling for men
- ReachOut for information and support for young people and their families living with a chronic illness
- Healthdirect for information and resources on coping with grief and loss.