Learn about R U OK? Day, how to start the conversation, and where to get help if you're struggling.
R U OK? Day is a national day of action to raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. This year, R U OK? Day is on September 9.
The R U OK? campaign encourages people to start a conversation with their friends, family, and colleagues about their mental health. The conversation can be as simple as asking, "R U OK?"
The R U OK? campaign was started in 2009 by Gavin Larkin, who lost his father to suicide. Gavin wanted to create a way to start a conversation about mental health and to encourage people to reach out for help if they were struggling.
The R U OK? campaign has been very successful in raising awareness of mental health and suicide prevention. In 2021, over 11 million people participated in R U OK? Day activities.
How to Start the Conversation
Starting the conversation about mental health can be daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are a few tips on how to start the conversation:
- Choose a quiet place where you won't be interrupted.
- Be direct and ask, "R U OK?"
- Listen carefully to the person's response.
- Don't judge or offer advice unless asked.
- Offer your support and let the person know that you're there for them.
How to Ask Someone if They're Okay
If you're concerned about someone's mental health, the first step is to ask them if they're okay. This may seem like a simple question, but it can be a powerful way to start a conversation about mental health.
Here are some tips for asking someone if they're okay:
- Be direct and ask the question.
- Be specific and ask about their mental health.
- Be supportive and let them know that you care.
- Be patient and listen to their response.
What to Do if Someone Says They're Not Okay
If someone tells you that they're not okay, there are a few things you can do:
- Listen to them and offer your support.
- Encourage them to seek professional help.
- Let them know that you're there for them.
- Don't judge them or try to fix their problems.
Where to Get Help
If you're struggling with your mental health, there are many resources available to help you. Here are a few places where you can get help:
- Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 4673
- Lifeline: https://www.lifeline.org.au/ 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/
- Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/ 1800 650 890
- Black Dog Institute: https://blackdoginstitute.org.au/
- Sane Australia: https://www.sane.org/
R U OK? Day is a day to check in on the mental health of our friends, family, and colleagues. It's a simple but powerful way to start a conversation about mental health and to let someone know that you care.
If you're concerned about someone's mental health, don't hesitate to ask them if they're okay. And if they tell you that they're not okay, there are a number of resources available to help.
If you're struggling with your mental health, please know that you're not alone. There are many people who care about you and want to help. Please reach out for help if you need it.