Online communities for mental health and wellbeing
Mental health struggles are all too common. In fact, around 45% of Australian adults will be affected by mental illness at some time in their life. For many, the first step towards finding help is reaching out online. We’ve rounded up some of the most trusted and valuable spaces where people can safely access support, share experiences, and move towards recovery.
Online peer communities can be a lifeline, offering understanding, connection, and hope. They also form an important option for those who can’t easily access in-person services. Yet it’s important to choose safe and constructive spaces that are well-governed and adequately moderated. Below are some communities that offer exactly this kind of support.
The Beyond Blue Forums connect people experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges. Discussions cover everything from coping with everyday stress to managing relationships, family life, or big life changes.
The forums are free to access, moderated 24/7, and supported by community champions who help keep the conversations safe and inclusive.
SANE Forums provide a uniquely supportive, anonymous space for those living with complex or persistent mental health issues and for their carers. With two dedicated forums (one for people with lived experience, another for families and carers), users can share honestly, knowing that health professionals are always on hand to moderate and keep things safe.
Counselling Online Community Forum – Turning Point
Mental health issues and substance abuse often go hand-in-hand. The Counselling Online community offers peer support for people impacted by alcohol and other drugs, whether directly or through a loved one. Moderated and confidential, it’s a space for people to share openly and find encouragement, alongside optional professional counselling also offered via chat or email.
Young people face unique pressures. Kids Helpline’s dedicated online community, My Circle, was designed specifically for 12-25 year olds, offering a safe place to connect with peers, share experiences, and learn coping strategies. Active clinical moderation ensures the wellbeing and safety of community members.
Headspace is Australia’s National Youth Mental Health Foundation, providing early intervention mental health services for 12-25 year olds. Their online communities offer themed spaces for young people to connect and share with others, including a community for those who identify as, are questioning, or are interested in learning about trans and gender diversity and/or sexuality. These groups are facilitated by trained Peer Moderators, who can collaborate with a clinician if they think there is immediate harm or danger.
Butterfly Foundation Online Support
The Butterfly Foundation provides support options for those experiencing eating disorders or body image concerns, including moderated online recovery groups. With specialist counsellors and peer-informed programs, it’s a trusted and hopeful place to connect.
Other support services
While these communities can be a powerful part of someone’s mental wellbeing journey, there’s also a need for one-on-one chat, a culturally safe space, or a crisis line.
- Lifeline Australia – 24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention
Call 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat - Suicide Call Back Service – 24/7 phone, chat, and video counselling service for anyone feeling suicidal, affected by suicide, or concerned about someone else
Call 1300 659 467 or visit suicidecallbackservice.org.au - Beyond Blue – 24/7 phone and online chat support
Call 1300 22 4636 or visit beyondblue.org.au - 1800RESPECT – 24/7 support for people impacted by domestic, family or sexual violence
Call 1800 737 732 or visit 1800respect.org.au - MensLine – 24/7 phone and online chat support for men
Call 1300 78 99 78 or visit mensline.org.au - ReachOut PeerChat – Free, anonymous peer support for 16–25 year olds, with trained peer workers available online.
Visit au.reachout.com/peerchat - 13YARN – A national, culturally safe helpline for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Call 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au
If you are in immediate danger or need urgent medical assistance, please call 000.