Our national day of action when Australians are reminded to ask ‘Are you OK?’ is this Thursday 14th September, 2023. This important mental health initiative encourages everyone to start a meaningful conversation, whenever they spot the signs that someone they care about might be struggling with life.
R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected, and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. Their work focuses on building the motivation, confidence and skills of the help-giver, the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life.
R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues – to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress or difficulty and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they’re in crisis.
If you have a feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it’s time to ask R U OK?
By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.
For more information and resources visit the R U OK website.
