RUOK? > Thanks for Asking > It’s OK 2 say You’re not
Lance Scoular
The Savvy Navigator????Helping You??Navigate the Future??Importing,Exporting,Global-Trading Made Easy??Courses & Resources??Coach|Mentor??Amazon Author|Speaker|Educator??????#amazoninfluencer, Marketing Amazon Authors??
Thursday 10 September 2015 – Sydney Australia
Sandie and I are leaving this morning for a vacation at Sea World on the Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia. We have both been needing and looking forward to this break from our busy lives.
Checking my LinkedIn messages before we head off, I had one from R U OK? Director Graeme Cowan about his article: Why and How You Should Create an R U OK? Work Culture
Today is RUOK? Day in Australia.
RUOK? ( Are You OK? )
R U OK? Day (Wikipedia) “is an annual day in September (the second Thursday) dedicated to remind people to ask family, friends and colleagues the question, "R U OK?", in a meaningful way, because connecting regularly and meaningfully is one thing everyone can do to make a difference to anyone who might be struggling.”
This time last year, 10 September 2014, I published my first Post on LinkedIn: Zemblanity, Suicide and My Family.
It took me three days to write the article and an incredible effort to click the Publish button.
I have just re-read the article and have relived the pain.
Is it Too Much Too ASK?
I looked at the Likes and Comments, particularly the comments.
Many people also sent me emails and LinkedIn inMails to share the effects of depression and suicide in their lives and their friends, families and colleagues.
Just a few weeks ago I was contacted by a lady who had been referred to me for assistance with their marketing and social media networking for their family business.
As we discussed the best time to meet, she asked if we could delay meeting as her husband’s best friend had recently committed suicide and her husband was devastated and was not coping.
Those left are left wondering:
Why, and what could I have done or said to prevent this tragedy?
Unfortunately we cannot reclaim the past!
However, we can make a difference today and every day of our future.
Why not ask your loved ones, neighbors, friends and colleagues:
RUOK?
And if someone has helped you through some difficulties in the past, why not thank them?
[Side Note: I was just about to post this article, (I was vaguely aware of the sound of the hair dryer that Sandie was using to blow dry her hair in our en-suite - my study {man cave} is close by) and all of a sudden there was a huge BANG and my computer died.
I rushed in to see if Sandy was OK and automatically asked RUOK?
She was, fortunately. Her 15 year old hair dryer had shorted and flashed a flame onto her hair, but not enough to burn her. ]
But what if?
If we ask the question and the result is saving someone from a permanent solution to a temporary problem, we have not only saved that 1 person from a tragic end BUT many, many, many more people affected and impacted by that 1 loss.
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If this post strikes a chord with you, for any reason, and you feel comfortable in sharing it with others, please do so.
(If, on the other hand, you don’t feel comfortable in sharing it, can I say to you, sincerely, that’s OK. And I mean it).
If you can think of someone who you think might be traveling a rough road at present, give them a call, drop in if you are nearby, meet them for a coffee or tea, or send them a message and see if you can have a brief chat.
And not just today.
Be aware, look for the tell tale signs and perhaps check out the R U OK website https://www.ruok.org.au
Find help
The truth is, some conversations just become too big for friends. If you’re worried about someone and feel urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or the agencies below. And if your need is life threatening, call 000 (Australia only) without delay.
https://www.ruok.org.au/find-help
(It doesn’t matter if you’re in Australia or not – this is a human problem of world proportions and a growing one).
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9 年Wonderful article, one that brings you to remember those times in your life when you Lost someone to suicide. I did lose a dear friend to postpartum depression, and I still remember my last conversation with her before she took her and her baby's life. I did not know how sick she was nor did I know that in a few days she would end her life,but I do know I tried to lift her spirit. Sometimes we can only do what we know at the time. She was in professional care at the time, but I did not know it. Thanks for Reminding us to ask.
PSM-1| PMP| Scrum Master| Agile Project Program Sr. Analyst at Accenture |
9 年What an inspirational article. Within seconds it to took me back in time when it was again time for me to move out of my city as was my job requirements, into a place which I was completely unfamiliar with. I remember asking or rather consoling by repeating these words out loud to myself "RUOK" like a hundred times each day after which I did realise how it's not just me as an individual but everyone irrespective of age or interests need a soul beside them if not advice but to listen, which can work miracles.
Writer| Advocate for Mental Health Awareness| Not your typical Gal Friday- For Husband's Business
9 年I'm really happy I found this thanks to Sarah's comment. R U OK are three very important words!! I find it easy to ask most people around me, because there have been times in my life I wasn't ok for one reason or another. Most people don't ask, and if you go through an entire day feeling as though the bottom is going to drop at any time- well it's a heavy load to carry alone. Sometimes we become better people because of our own experiences. Such an easy question to ask. Sadly, I think there are some people who are afraid to ask R U OK because they wouldn't know what to say if the person said no.
The Savvy Navigator????Helping You??Navigate the Future??Importing,Exporting,Global-Trading Made Easy??Courses & Resources??Coach|Mentor??Amazon Author|Speaker|Educator??????#amazoninfluencer, Marketing Amazon Authors??
9 年So true Sarah.
International Speaker | Workshop Facilitator | Storyteller | Musician | Gallup StrengthsFinder Coach | 360+Episodes Podcast Host | Author | Job Interview Coach
9 年So glad to discover this article today, Lance. It's such an important message - if your instincts tell you to reach out - for goodness sake DO IT. This fits right into the list of kindness posts I collected about a week ago. In this case, kindness just isn't enough. Be genuine when you are kind - RUOK?