R U OK? Day

by | Aug 30, 2022 | Uncategorised, Workplace Education

Thursday 08th September 2002 is national R U OK? Day.

We’ve all heard about and seen the advertisements about R U OK day, but do you really understand what it means?  It is more than just asking someone R U OK? on the day.  It goes beyond this.  It is a National Day of Action when Australian’s are reminded that not just on the 08th September, but every day is the day to ask, “R U OK?”  It’s never too early to start a meaningful conversation about suicide prevention and mental health.  It also encourages people going through difficult times, that it is ok to reach out and ask for help.

 

The key is to not wait until somebody is visibly distressed or in a crisis. Make it a point to ask your work colleague, family member or friend how they are really going.

 

What can you do in the workplace?

It is extremely important for workplaces to develop and nurture a workplace culture, free of stigma, by encouraging all staff to check in on each other especially if things don’t seem right.  People need to feel confident asking and answering this simple yet important question.  R U OK?  Managers need to be proactive in talking to their employee making sure they are ok.

Another step a workplace can take to help their employees with their mental health is to offer an Employee Assistance Program, (EAP).  Not only should a workplace have an EAP but this needs to be easily accessible to all staff.

If you are a workplace and looking for some fantastic resources to start the conversation visit: https://www.ruok.org.au/work

To help you recognise the signs of someone struggling with their mental health and encourage people to reach out we have compiled a list below.

Signs

  • Change in behaviour – confused, irrational, withdrawn, behaving recklessly, lack of concentration
  • Changes in mood – anxious, worried, moody
  • Overly concerned – future, burden, being trapped, negative thought patterns
  • Changes in appearance – hygiene, tiredness, restless
  • Lonely or lacking self-esteem
  • Losing interest in what they used to love
  • Changes in their life – relationship, health, work, stress, financial difficulty, loss of someone or something they care about.

Whether it be a close friend, family member or a work colleague, there are 4 steps that could change a life.

  1. Ask
  2. Listen
  3. Encourage action
  4. Check in

So, this R U OK? Day, connect with someone and help stop little problems turning into big problems.