R U OK?

Such a simple question to ask, and such a difficult question to ask.

Things that stop people from asking this question –

• If I ask this question, how do I handle the answer?
• If I ask this question, will the person think that I am judging them?
• If I ask this question, will the person be honest in their response?

Why people should ask this question –

• Research repeatedly shows that this is an effective supportive intervention.
• The person may be feeling isolated; that no one cares about them; that they are unlikeable; that they have nothing to offer; or that there is nothing for them to live for. By asking the question you are saying – “you’re not alone; I care; I am choosing to reach out to you; I want to help you; and there is hope here.”

So, how do you handle the answer to the question?

There are only 2 possible responses – yes, and no. These responses can be cloaked in layers of emotion, but ultimately, it’s yes or no.

If someone answers yes – that they are OK

• “That’s great, but I just wanted to check in with you, because sometimes we don’t feel OK, and that’s alright too.”
• “The next time that you don’t feel OK, please let me know, I’d like to help.”

If someone answers no – that they’re not OK

• “Sometimes we don’t feel OK, and that’s alright.”
• “Is there something that I could do to help you?”
• “Do you have someone you can talk to about what’s happening?”

Support

If you have not had training in this area, please equip yourself with information about accessing emergency support from organisations like:

• Lifeline – 13 11 14
• Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
• In an immediate emergency, please call ‘000’

In a non-emergency situation, there is a range of services available for support:

• GPs
• Mental Health Services
• Private practitioners (psychologists, psychiatrists, mental health clinicians)
• Try this link for contacts –https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/find-a-professional

After you have had this conversation, please also seek support for yourself.

Why they may turn to you

Put yourself in the other person’s shoes.

If you were in a mental health crisis – who would you turn to for support?

• Counsellor
• GP
• Work colleague
• Friend
• Family member
• Nobody

Only 35% of Australians with a significant mental illness will access professional support.

That means 65% will either not access support at all, or will be looking for support from their friend, family member, work colleague, sport teammate, teacher…. That might be you.

If you can’t ask the question, please find someone who can.

“R U OK?”

Such a simple question to ask, and such an enormously important question to ask.

Bryan Jeffrey

Director

MOAT: Mental Health Services

www.moat.com.au