Because having that meaningful conversation is what matters.
While times in a COVID-Australia world has taken a toll on many individuals, now more than ever is the time to ask others ‘are you okay?’ With the lack of physical connection and social interactions being put on a hold, R U OK? Day’s ‘There’s More to Say After R U OK?’ is urging Australians to stay in contact with friends, family and promote the importance of community.
With the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) recording 3046 deaths by suicide in 2018, R U OK? wishes to nurture our sense of responsibility, whilst strengthening our perception of belonging and confidence to boost those meaningful conversations.
Steven Satour, Indigenous entrepreneur & R U OK?’s Stronger Together Campaign Manager says,
“Since 2009, R U OK? Day has become a nationally recognised day of action. This year, in particular, the message of ‘R U OK’ and our theme of ‘There’s More to Say After R U OK?’ is more relevant and more important that we’re keeping connected with one another.
“It’s really about, not yourself, but checking in with those people around you, whoever is in your world – friends, family colleagues. Making sure we check up on those people is really important.”
During this confronting and at times confusing period, letting those in your life know that it’s okay not to be okay is more urgent than ever. Making use of digital devices and services are our greatest weapons to battle the shortage of physical communication.
“The thought of having a conversation and an ‘R U OK?’ conversation can be overwhelming, but the steps that we lay out in our resources are quite simple. Making sure that you’re creating a space that is positive for that – so if you’re face-timing someone maybe don’t have a conversation about a house party or don’t have people that will or can interrupt. Most importantly have an open mind, letting somebody talk about their experience and empathise or sympathise with them,” explains Steven.
Knowing that mental health and suicide is an immense, difficult and sensitive challenge to overcome, checking up on someone and having that conversation after the initial ‘are you okay?’ is essential.
“One of our four steps is taking ‘encouraging action’ and that doesn’t mean telling them what to do but asking them what they think, what they should do, because at times they already know what to do but they just need that push, which could lead to getting professional help, it’s that encouragement.”
A phone call, a facetime, message or even a post online is more than enough to check on those around you. As described on the R U OK? website, trust your instincts and be aware of changes in one’s online behaviour or the way they communicate with others – because anything is everything right now.
“Our resources are about how to have meaningful conversations and sort of reiterate that you don’t have to be an expert and you don’t have to try to solve someone’s problem or experience. It’s just about trying to support and connect with your friend and family member,” Steven explains.
“Since everything is sort of online, there can be subtle things or a gut instinct reaction, says something that doesn’t seem like that person would really do. Though don’t start by asking them ‘what’s wrong’, because that sort of puts it in a negative space,” he continues.
Launched in 2009 by founder Gavin Larkin, this not-for-profit organisation aims to inspire and empower everyone by establishing the notion of ‘staying connected and together’ and supporting those struggling in life. Making sure that no one endures the grief that Larkin experienced after the passing of his father by suicide. Reoccurring every second Thursday of September, R U OK? Day envisions a world where we are all united and protected from suicide.
Steven outlines that what there’s no harm in asking that difficult question.
“If you know someone is going through a tough life experience – someone’s passed away or they’ve lost their job or even are just feeling down, anything like that, they end up being afraid to reach out and sometimes you just need to pull back and respect their space, and check in a couple of days later. There can be even those who are just really needing someone to reach out to them and talk about it.”
“It’s normal to be feeling a range of emotions at this time. If you feel comfortable, reach out to someone and have a bit of a chat. Even if it’s just going to our website or Facebook page to hear about people’s stories or medical professionals. Also, if someone you know is going through something, look out for them, reach out to them and have those meaningful conversations.”
For resources and to join the conversation, visit R U OK?
