How to get urgent help if the situation is critical
Introduction
With in-depth addiction or suicidal thoughts, you cannot delay - you need immediate help. Below is a clear plan: where to call, what services to connect and what steps to take to protect yourself or a loved one.
1. Critical situation marking
Suicidal or destructive thoughts
Loss of time/day orientation and inability to stop
Sharp deterioration in emotional state: panic, aggression, despair
Financial collapse: Threats of debt collection, suicidal thoughts over debt
Withdrawal signs: Extreme anxiety, disrupted sleep, physical symptoms when trying to distract
2. Emergency numbers
1. 000 (Triple Zero)
- Call immediately if a threat to life or safety: suicidal intent, risk of violence or severe panic attack.
2. Lifeline
- 13 11 14 (24/7) - crisis psychological support, emergency assistance for suicidal thoughts.
3. Beyond Blue Support Service
- 1300 22 4636 (24/7) - help with severe anxiety and depression.
3. Gamblers Help Hotline
1800 858 858 (24/7)
Anonymously and free - consultants help to instantly set up limits, timeout and prescribe the first steps to overcome the crisis.
If the phone is not available, go to online chats (see paragraph 4).
4. Online chat and SMS services
1. Gambling Help Online Chat
– [https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au](https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au) → "Chat now" (around the clock).
2. Lifeline SMS support
- Text "HELLO" to the 0477 13 11 14 for a text conversation.
3. Email consultation
– [support@gamblinghelponline. org. au](mailto: support@gamblinghelponline. org. au) - response within 24 hours if voice/chat is not available.
5. What to do while waiting for help
1. Translate symptoms into physical activity
- Do a 5- to 10-minute walk, breathing exercise or cold compress.
2. Stay alone with the "controller"
- Inform a friend or relative of your alarm, ask to stay online for the rest of the session.
3. Enable Casino Timeout
- Activate instant break (5-60 min) through your personal account - you will lose access to rates.
6. Next steps after exiting the acute phase
Sign up for a video consultation through Gambling Help Online.
Set up long-term RG tools: self-exclusion, limits, technical filters.
Contact a specialist: psychologist or CBT therapist to work out the underlying causes.
Support groups: Gamblers Anonymous, online forums.
Conclusion
In an acute crisis situation, every moment counts. First 000 or 13 11 14 (Lifeline), then 1800 858 858 (Gamblers Help), online chat or SMS. Activate the timeout, connect the "controller," and after stabilization, move on to long-term work with RG tools and professional help. take care of yourself and do not hesitate with an emergency call.
With in-depth addiction or suicidal thoughts, you cannot delay - you need immediate help. Below is a clear plan: where to call, what services to connect and what steps to take to protect yourself or a loved one.
1. Critical situation marking
Suicidal or destructive thoughts
Loss of time/day orientation and inability to stop
Sharp deterioration in emotional state: panic, aggression, despair
Financial collapse: Threats of debt collection, suicidal thoughts over debt
Withdrawal signs: Extreme anxiety, disrupted sleep, physical symptoms when trying to distract
2. Emergency numbers
1. 000 (Triple Zero)
- Call immediately if a threat to life or safety: suicidal intent, risk of violence or severe panic attack.
2. Lifeline
- 13 11 14 (24/7) - crisis psychological support, emergency assistance for suicidal thoughts.
3. Beyond Blue Support Service
- 1300 22 4636 (24/7) - help with severe anxiety and depression.
3. Gamblers Help Hotline
1800 858 858 (24/7)
Anonymously and free - consultants help to instantly set up limits, timeout and prescribe the first steps to overcome the crisis.
If the phone is not available, go to online chats (see paragraph 4).
4. Online chat and SMS services
1. Gambling Help Online Chat
– [https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au](https: //www. gamblinghelponline. org. au) → "Chat now" (around the clock).
2. Lifeline SMS support
- Text "HELLO" to the 0477 13 11 14 for a text conversation.
3. Email consultation
– [support@gamblinghelponline. org. au](mailto: support@gamblinghelponline. org. au) - response within 24 hours if voice/chat is not available.
5. What to do while waiting for help
1. Translate symptoms into physical activity
- Do a 5- to 10-minute walk, breathing exercise or cold compress.
2. Stay alone with the "controller"
- Inform a friend or relative of your alarm, ask to stay online for the rest of the session.
3. Enable Casino Timeout
- Activate instant break (5-60 min) through your personal account - you will lose access to rates.
6. Next steps after exiting the acute phase
Sign up for a video consultation through Gambling Help Online.
Set up long-term RG tools: self-exclusion, limits, technical filters.
Contact a specialist: psychologist or CBT therapist to work out the underlying causes.
Support groups: Gamblers Anonymous, online forums.
Conclusion
In an acute crisis situation, every moment counts. First 000 or 13 11 14 (Lifeline), then 1800 858 858 (Gamblers Help), online chat or SMS. Activate the timeout, connect the "controller," and after stabilization, move on to long-term work with RG tools and professional help. take care of yourself and do not hesitate with an emergency call.
