You do not need a diagnosis to deserve help. If you or someone you love feels overwhelmed, hopeless, or unable to cope, a phone call or chat can be the first step toward stability.
Singapore has free and low-cost helplines for crisis support, youth check-ins, and LGBTQ+ counselling. Below is a practical directory, plus when to pair hotline support with ongoing care from a psychologist or counsellor or telepsychiatry.
Common mental health conditions helplines support
Illnesses range from everyday worry to long-term conditions.
Anxiety disorders
Persistent fear with physical symptoms (racing heart, sweating, dizziness, stomach upset).
Depressive disorders
Ongoing sadness and lost interest, often needing long-term treatment, not a short low mood.
Bipolar disorder
Swings between high energy (mania) and depression that affect thinking and daily function.
Schizophrenia
Less common but serious; may include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking.
What contributes to mental illness
- Genetics: family history can raise risk.
- Brain chemistry: imbalances may play a role.
- Trauma: combat, assault, or disasters can trigger PTSD.
- Stress: work pressure, family conflict, or cultural expectations.
How to support someone in crisis
- Learn about their condition to reduce stigma.
- Listen without fixing or judging.
- Encourage professional help, including telehealth options.
- Stay patient through setbacks.
- Care for yourself as a supporter.
- Advocate for mental health policies and open conversation.
Singapore mental health helplines (who to call)
Many people feel worse during stressful periods (work, money, isolation). These services offer free or low-cost listening and referral.
Samaritans of Singapore (24/7 crisis)
SOS supports anyone in crisis or affected by suicide.
- Hotline: 1767 (24 hours)
- CareText: WhatsApp 9151 1767
- CareMail: pat@sos.org.sg
Fei Yue Community Services (youth 12–25)
Fei Yue runs community mental health programmes for young people.
ec2.sg (online chat screening)
ec2.sg offers free Quick Chat mental health screening for ages 12–25. Click the chat thumbnail on the site.
Hours: Mon, Thu, Fri, 10am–12pm and 2pm–5pm (excluding public holidays).
CHAT (youth 16–30)
CHAT provides national youth mental health outreach and assessment.
webCHAT
webCHAT offers in-the-moment support. Click the CHAT icon at the bottom right of the page.
Hours: Tue–Sat, 1pm–8pm (excluding public holidays).
Oogachaga (LGBTQ+ support)
Oogachaga has served LGBTQ+ individuals and families since 1999.
WhatsApp counselling
Trained volunteers listen on WhatsApp: 8592 0609
Hours: Tue–Thu, 7pm–10pm; Sat, 2pm–5pm.
Email counselling (CARE)
CARE email counselling aims to reply within 2–3 days.
Tinkle Friend (primary school children)
Tinkle Friend from Singapore Children's Society supports lonely or distressed children.
Toll-free helpline
1800 2744 788 (Mon–Fri, 2.30pm–5pm). Calls and chats may be recorded.
Online chat
Use the pop-up on the website.
Hours: Mon–Thu, 2.30pm–7pm; Fri, 2.30pm–5pm.
Save these numbers now
Add SOS (1767), your preferred youth chat service, and one trusted friend to your phone contacts before a crisis hits. If someone is at immediate risk of harm, call emergency services first, then a helpline.
For ongoing care after the crisis passes, compare psychologists in Singapore and read supporting anxious children, cyberbullying recovery, or exam stress management if those situations apply. Recovery is possible with the right mix of immediate support and follow-up treatment.
