Privacy and What Services Are Allowed to Share
Launch library · evergreen read
Understanding exactly what a support service can and cannot share helps many people feel more comfortable reaching out. Generally, what you discuss remains between you and the service, with clearly defined and limited exceptions. This applies just as much on an ordinary day as during an obvious crisis.
Those exceptions typically apply only when there is an immediate and serious safety concern, and services are transparent about this from the outset. Outside of genuine emergencies, your conversation is not passed on to family, employers, or anyone else. It is worth remembering that reaching out rarely goes as badly as it feels it might beforehand.
Lifeline can be reached confidentially on 13 11 14 at any hour, and the Suicide Call Back Service is available on 1300 659 467. Many people find that a single honest conversation changes more than they expected. Over time, small efforts like this tend to add up to something meaningful.