Are You Ready To Start A Conversation This R U OK? Day?

Australia’s National Day of Action, R U OK?Day, Thursday, September 12, 2024 we are reminded that every day is the day to ask, “are you okay?” and start a meaningful conversation whenever we spot the signs that someone we care about may be struggling with life.

The truth is that life happens every day, so it is important that we feel free to ask our loved ones if they are okay any day.

A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week, and whether it is your friend, family member, colleague, partner or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day.

By having regular, meaningful conversations, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.

Do you have a feeling that someone you know or care about is not behaving as they normally would?

Perhaps they seem:

• Confused or irrational;

• Moody;

• Unable to switch off;

• Concerned about the future;

• Concerned they’re a burden;

• Lonely or lacking self-esteem; or

• Concerned they’re trapped or in pain?

Are they:

• Experiencing mood swings;

• Becoming withdrawn;

• Changing their online behaviour;

• Losing interest in what they used to love;

• Unable to concentrate;

• Less interested in their appearance and personal hygiene;

• Behaving recklessly; or

• Changing their sleep patterns?

Are they experiencing:

• Relationship issues;

• Major health issues;

• Work pressure or constant stress;

• Financial difficulty; or

• Loss of someone or something they care about?

Trust your gut instinct and act on it.

By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that person open up.

If they say they are not okay, you can follow these conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load.

If they are okay, they’ll know that you are someone who cares enough to ask.

By acting as eyes and ears and reaching out to anyone who’s going through a tough time we can show them they’re supported and encourage them to access help sooner.

• Topics:

• Mental Health and Wellbeing