R U OK? Starting a conversation A lot can happen in a year, a month, or even a week. Bereavement, separation, job loss, cost-of-living-pressures, and loneliness are just a few challenging life events that have the potential to cause stress and influence a broad range of mental health conditions.
While millions of Australians asked the question of their friends, family, or colleagues on R U OK? Day, in September AnglicareSA encouraged everyone to ask, “Are you okay?” any day of the year, because life happens every day. AnglicareSA Suicide Prevention Services Coordinator, Lee Boulger, said we all had a role to play in changing the stigma of mental health, and regularly checking in with your mates, loved ones, or colleagues was a good start. “Stigma around mental health is still a massive barrier to people engaging in conversations and seeking support.”
“It’s okay to ask people how they are doing. “If someone has overcome that barrier and shared with you, it speaks to the comfort, safety, and trust they feel.” Lee said talking about mental health did not stop after the initial conversation and encouraged everyone to regularly check in with their loved ones, especially on significant days and anniversaries that might cause them distress.
“It’s okay to ask people how they are doing”
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