If you are struggling with your mental health or concerned about a loved one, consider contacting a helpline for quick and free support. 16 helplines and hotlines are available in Malaysia.

It’s normal to feel nervous about making the call. Learn here about what to expect.

What are helplines or hotlines?

Helplines offer immediate mental health support to the public for free. When you contact a helpline, you will receive confidential counseling support either over the phone, text message or online chat. In some countries, helplines are also known as hotlines or crisis lines.

How will a helpline or hotline support me?

Helpline responders support you by listening to you, helping you understand your emotions better, and working with you on a plan forward. Having a plan about what to do next can help you feel more in control.

If I contact a helpline, who will I talk to?

When you call a helpline, you'll connect with a volunteer or counselor, or sometimes with a peer with similar experience to the topic of the helpline. They are often trained and experienced in active listening or crisis counseling. This means they know how to help people in your situation.

What topics do helplines and hotlines assist with?

Helplines offer free support to people who are experiencing mental health problems or an emotional crisis. Some helplines offer support for specific problems, such as suicide, domestic violence, abuse, anxiety, and depression, while others support particular types of people such as teenagers, children, the LGBTQ+ community or veterans. Some helplines support with any topic or issue, so you can talk to them about whatever you're going through.

What is a suicide hotline?

In most countries, there is access to a suicide hotline number that you can call if you're having thoughts about wanting to die or ending your life. Suicide hotlines, often called lifelines or crisis lines, are usually accessible 24/7. Many suicide hotlines also support with all topics.

Will a helpline talk to me about someone I'm concerned about?

Yes. You can get in touch with a helpline if you're concerned about a loved one and don't know how to help. The helpline responder will talk with you about ways you can support the person you care about, including any available support networks and any actions or behaviours you can do to help them.

I'm in Malaysia. What hotlines and helplines are available to me?

In Malaysia, there are 16 hotlines and helplines that support with a range of topics.

Globally, there are over 2,000 helplines and hotlines, and the support they offer varies across topics and populations. What unites them is their shared aim to support people who are experiencing mental health distress or emotional pain. Helplines are there to assist you in a time of emotional pain, and to support those who may be noticing warning signs of an emotional crisis in those they care about.