HOW TO ASK R U OK? ANY DAY

R U OK? Day falls on the second Thursday in September every year. It’s a reminder to check in with those around us. Life can be hard: many people struggle with mental or physical ill health, stressful life events and other challenges. By asking a simple question, like R U OK? you show family, friends and co-workers they are not alone, and open the door to potential discussion.

Although it’s an annual event, you can ask someone how they’re travelling any day of the year. And when you do, you’ll be helping to promote a safe, supportive environment where people can share their struggles with you. Here are some tips on how to ask R U OK? any day.

Ask R U OK? Any day.

There are many different ways to someone if they’re ok:

• Are you ok?
• How are things?
• How are you feeling today?
• Is everything alright?
• Is there something you’d like to talk about?

?Find the question that works for you and may resonate with the person you’re asking. Ensure you have some privacy and a little time – and then ask them. Any day of the year.

It’s also a good idea to check in with people who appear to be travelling well. In some cases, it may be obvious that individuals are facing challenges; in others, it may not.

Be prepared to listen

If someone is prepared to talk, be prepared to listen. If they need encouragement and guidance, prompt them with questions like:

• Would you be comfortable talking with me? Or someone else?
• Can you describe how you’re feeling?
• How long have you been feeling this way?
• What support do you have in place at the moment?

Displaying empathy with statements like ‘I understand this must be difficult for you…’ can encourage someone to feel safe, share their feelings, and feel heard.

Sometimes, people won’t be ready or willing to talk. In those instances, you can offer alternatives like:

• I’m here if you ever want to talk
• Would you find it easier to talk to someone else?

Empower people to take action

It’s important to encourage and empower people to act for themselves. You could ask them:

• What would you like to happen in this situation?
• What support has worked well for you previously?
• How can I support you to do this?
• What is something that might help you right now?

You could share ideas, make suggestions or mention strategies that have worked well for you.

You could also signpost people to relevant sources of professional support. The important thing is to provide support and information to enable individuals to make their own choices.

However, if you are aware that someone is facing major challenges or has been struggling for a while, actively encourage them to see a health professional.

Check back in

Make a note to check back in. This may be in a day, a week or a month, depending on the individual situation. To start your conversation, you could say:

• How have things been going in the last couple of weeks?
• How are you feeling now compared with last time we met/chatted?
• What are you doing to manage your situation?

Again, you’ll want to listen without judgement, offer support where appropriate and reinforce that you are there for them when needed.

There are ways to ask R U OK? any day. By following a few simple steps, we can all contribute to a culture of awareness, understanding, caring and action around the challenges people face in life.

Important Contact Numbers

Lifeline: 13 11 14

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Men’s Line Australia: 1300 78 99 78

13 YARN: 13 92 76

QLife: 1800 184 527

All these helplines operate 24/7.

At Optimal Recruitment we actively support R U OK Day? every day of the year. You can reach us on [email protected] or 02 8416 4181.