Mental health & wellbeing.
You don't need a diagnosis to deserve support.
What you're carrying right now, the grief, the anxiety, the exhaustion of having been strong for too long — is real. It counts. And you don't have to keep carrying it alone.
Whatever brought you here, you're not overreacting.
Leaving a difficult relationship, surviving something traumatic, or simply running on empty for too long can all take a serious toll on your mental health. The way you're feeling makes sense given what you've been through. That's not weakness. That's the entirely human response to an incredibly hard situation.
This page is here to help you understand what you might be experiencing, and to connect you with support that actually fits your life. Free, low-cost, and available wherever you are in Australia.
What you might be experiencing
You don't have to name it perfectly to deserve help.
These are some of the most common things women describe after leaving a difficult relationship or navigating a period of significant stress. You might recognise one, or several.
- "I don't know if what I went through was bad enough to feel this way." — It was. You don't need to rank your suffering.
- "I should be over it by now." — There's no schedule for healing. You're allowed to still be in it.
- "I don't want to burden anyone." — Asking for help is not a burden. It's one of the bravest things you can do.
- "I can't afford therapy." — There are free and bulk-billed options in Australia. This page will help you find them.
- "I've tried before and it didn't help." — Not every approach or practitioner is right for every person. It's okay to try again, differently.
Free & low-cost support in Australia
You don't have to wait, spend money, or have a referral to start.
Australia's mental health system can be slow — but there are services available right now, today, that don't require a diagnosis, a referral, or money.
Lifeline
Crisis support and suicide prevention, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Lifeline is for anyone who is struggling — you don't need to be suicidal to call. If you're overwhelmed, frightened, or just need to talk to someone right now, they're there.
Open their websiteBeyond Blue
Mental health support for anxiety, depression and everything in between — by phone, online chat or their peer support forum. Beyond Blue is particularly strong for women navigating low mood and anxiety after a difficult relationship or life transition.
Open their websiteMedicare Mental Health
The Australian Government's free mental health service — no referral, GP or diagnosis needed. Walk in to a centre near you, call 1800 595 212 (weekdays 8:30am–5pm) to speak with a trained professional, or use the free online Check In tool at mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au for self-paced support available 24/7. Not all areas have a physical centre yet — check the website to find what's available near you.
Open their website1800RESPECT — Counselling
Beyond crisis support, 1800RESPECT offers trauma-informed counselling for women who have experienced domestic, family or sexual violence. Available by phone and online chat 24/7 — and specifically trained to understand what you've been through.
Open their websiteSANE Australia
Support for people living with complex or long-term mental health issues — including those affected by trauma, psychosis or personality disorders. Online community, counselling and resources. SANE is particularly helpful if you feel like your needs are more complex than what other services are equipped for.
Open their websiteheadspace
Free mental health support for young women aged 12–25 — in person, online and by phone. headspace centres are located across Australia, and online counselling is available nationally. No referral required.
Open their website13YARN
A 24/7 national crisis support line operated by and for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. If you identify as First Nations and need someone to talk to, 13YARN is a culturally safe space staffed by trained Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis supporters.
Open their websiteAccessing professional support through Medicare
How to access a Mental Health Treatment Plan.
A Mental Health Treatment Plan (MHTP) gives you access to up to 10 bulk-billed psychology sessions per year through Medicare — meaning little or no out-of-pocket cost. Here's how to get one.
If you don't have a regular GP, Medicare Mental Health has a free phone line on 1800 595 212 (weekdays 8:30am–5pm) that can help you navigate your options — no referral or GP needed. The online Check In tool at mentalhealthcheckin.gov.au is also available 24/7. Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 can also help you find the right service.
Common questions
Things women often want to know.
Do I need a diagnosis to get help?
No. Many services — including Lifeline, Beyond Blue, Medicare Mental Health Centres and 1800RESPECT — are available to anyone experiencing distress, regardless of whether they have or have ever had a formal diagnosis. You don't need a label to deserve support.
I've never spoken to a mental health professional before. What will it be like?
Most people describe their first session as less scary than they expected. A good therapist or counsellor will spend time listening and getting to know you — not immediately diagnosing or telling you what to do. You're in control of what you share and how fast you go. If the first person isn't the right fit, it's okay to try someone else.
What if I can't afford it?
There are genuinely free options available. Medicare Mental Health Centres require no referral, no cost and no appointment. Lifeline and Beyond Blue are free by phone 24/7. A Mental Health Treatment Plan through your GP gives you up to 10 bulk-billed psychology sessions per year. Cost should not be a barrier — and if the first free option doesn't suit you, there are others.
I tried therapy before and it didn't help. Should I try again?
Yes — but with the caveat that not every therapist or approach is right for every person. If you've experienced trauma or family violence, it's worth specifically asking for a trauma-informed psychologist, as not all practitioners are trained in this area. 1800RESPECT can also refer you to counsellors who specialise in supporting women who have experienced what you have.
I'm worried about what I'll say or whether my situation "counts".
Your situation counts. What you've been through counts. You don't need to have a polished version of your story ready before you call or make an appointment. You can say "I don't really know where to start" — that's a completely valid beginning. The people on the other end of these services have heard it all, and they will meet you where you are.
You are not alone in this.
Thousands of Australian women are navigating what you're navigating right now — the uncertainty, the exhaustion, the grief, the slow work of rebuilding. You don't have to do it in isolation. Help is here, it's free, and you deserve it.
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