R U OK?

September 08, 2022 by Emma Withers

Why is this such an important question to ask?
September is the perfect time to ask those around you R U OK? as it sees R U OK? Day in the spotlight on Thursday 8th September, coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month in the USA.

As we are all aware, the past few years have been really challenging. With the stress from COVID 19, combined with the various complexities and challenges that life can bring, it is likely that someone you know may not be okay. In fact, an estimated 1 in 5 (21.4%) of Australians aged 16-85 experienced a mental disorder in the past 12 months (ABS, 2022). Even without a diagnosed mental disorder, life can be tough.

Being able to discuss our feelings and concerns with trusted people in our lives is incredibly important. Below are 3 reasons why the 3 words R U OK? matters so much:

(1) Experiencing emotional distress is hard enough - yet being all alone with it can make it so much harder. Asking R U OK? can reduce the loneliness of emotional pain. And, as the old saying goes, a problem shared is a problem halved.

(2) Asking this important question can also open the opportunity for meaningful conversations for someone to share what’s on their mind which may just begin the process of change. And by asking the simple question R U OK? it shows that you care. Feeling cared for can make a huge difference to someone who might be emotionally struggling.

(3) And last but not least asking R U OK? could just be the catalyst which is needed to encourage someone to reach out for professional assistance such as talking to a GP or psychologist.

How to ask “R U OK?”

The R U OK? Website offers useful advice and resources about how you can approach someone and start the conversation.

https://www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day

Below is an image that represents the four conversation steps developed by
R U OK? to provide the skills and confidence to check in on someone you know that you may be concerned ab

Finding a good time to ask the question can be a barrier to asking the question, but the following opportunities can be good times to ask R U OK? … breaks at work, exercising together, sharing a drink or meal together or even just when spending time together socially.
So give it a go. You never know – it could just change a life or even possibly save it.

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