Ask R U OK? Any Day because life happens every day.
A lot can happen in a year, a month, a week. Whether it’s 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.
While R U OK? Day on Thursday, September 12, is our National Day of Action, we encourage you to ask R U OK? any day of the year. Remember, a simple conversation can change a life. 💛
We are fundraising for R U OK? to help spread their message and help prevent suicide. About 8 people take their own lives in Australia every day. We want to help change these numbers. Your contribution can make a difference, helping us continue to spread the message and encourage life-changing conversations!
By inspiring people to take the time to ask, “Are you OK?” and listen, we can help people who are struggling with life to feel connected long before they even think about suicide.
Thank you so much for your support, together we will make a difference.🤝
Simple Steps That Can Change Your Life
A CONVERSATION COULD CHANGE A LIFE
Got a feeling that someone you know or care about isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK?
If you have noticed these signs, it's time to trust the Signs, trust your gut and ask R U OK?
Do they seem:
Confused or irrational
Moody
Unable to switch off
Concerned about the future
Concerned they’re a burden
Lonely or lacking self-esteem
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Becoming withdrawn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
Changing their sleep patterns
Are they experiencing:
Relationship issues
Major health issues
Work pressure or constant stress
Financial difficulty
Loss of someone or something they care about
By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not OK, you can follow our conversation steps to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.
GETTING READY TO ASK
Before you can look out for others, you need to look out for yourself. And that’s OK. If you're not in the right headspace or you don't think you're the right person to have the conversation, try to think of someone else in their support network who could talk to them.
To help you decide whether you’re ready to start a meaningful conversation, ask yourself:
AM I READY?
Am I in a good headspace?
Am I willing to genuinely listen?
Can I give as much time as needed?
AM I PREPARED?
Do I understand that if I ask how someone’s going, the answer could be: “No, I’m not”?
Do I understand that I can’t ‘fix’ someone’s problems?
Do I accept that they might not be ready to talk? Or they might not want to talk to me?
PICKED MY MOMENT?
Have I chosen somewhere relatively private and comfy?
Have I figured out a time that will be good for them to chat?
Have I made sure I have enough time to chat properly?
Reference: https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask