R U OK? Day

The message behind R U OK Day is simple – a conversation can change a life, so be a conversation mate this R U OK? Day, and for every day of the year.

R U OK Day for 2014 is September 11. It’s a national campaign dedicated to telling people to regularly ask friends, colleagues and loved ones “are you ok?” and you might have seen posters in your workplace or in public with tips on how to do it.

Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love, and asking “R U OK?” is simple but not always easy.

We’ve compiled some tips below for making conversation, and resources if you would like support yourself.

Stories - Hugh Jackman and Troy Mussio

Hugh Jackman (actor) - "Nothing beats face-to-face time; time with each other, time with family, time with friends."

Troy Mussio (helicopter pilot) - "If you notice something's not right, just ask, It's not hard to say 'Are you alright? Can I help out?'"

Check out a video R U OK recently made with the ACT Brumbies on the improtance of mateship:

Conversation tips - Learn how to ask R U OK?

In the time it takes to have a coffee you can start a conversation that could change a life.

You can also download a powerpoint from RUOK with tips on "How to ask R U OK?" (6MB)

Why R U OK Day exists

Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing, while feelings of isolation or hopelessness can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses.

RUOK Day believes that regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love, and endeavours to raise awareness of mental health and suicide, and help people develop the verbal skills to check in with friends, family and colleagues.

Needing professional help? 

If someone you know is thinking about suicide or if you are yourself, contact Beyond Blue at 1300 22 4636. Their experienced counsellors can help you to make sense of the situation and to take steps to make a positive difference. 

Further reading

• Take the Beyond Blue eLearning module to learn more about workplace mental health and awareness.
• Watch a video on Rachel Robertson's experience dealing with her employee's mental health.

If you would like to share with us your own personal experiences of anxiety, depression or RUOK Day, please email us info@myspringday.com.au