What Really Happens When You Call Lifeline?

Rachel Bowes, Head of Crisis Services at Lifeline Australia, explained that it’s OK to call if you’re not in a critical state of mind, and you’re just feeling lonely.

“Crisis is determined by the person experiencing it, not by us,” Rachel said.

“So we would never say someone’s reasons are not justified. If someone feels they have nowhere else to turn, they should call us. Talking about things at the start of a problem often helps resolve it before things get critical.”

Rachel said Lifeline’s volume of calls is around 3500 a day and there’s been an increase since the bushfires in 2020 and, off the back of that, the COVID-19 pandemic.

Listen to the full conversation Rachel Bowes in the player above.

If you or anyone you know needs help, call:

• Lifeline on 13 11 14
• Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
• Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
• BeyondBlue on 1300 22 46 36
• Headspace on 1800 650 890