13/09/2023
“Are you okay?” is a simple question to ask. It’s probably one that we ask often to those around us; a quick way to check in with family, friends, work colleagues, and everything in between.
To put it simply, “Are you okay?” is an easy question to ask, but a difficult conversation to embark on. It has the potential to lead to an honest interaction and painful conversation, so it’s a question that tends to not be asked when it matters the most
You are engaging in a conversation not with the goal of fixing their mental health, but to hear, understand, and empathise with them. Creating a safe space for the person to speak their mind and taking the time to listen rather than throwing solutions at them can make all the difference.
If you’re not sure about where they’d prefer to have a sensitive discussion, then go ahead and ask them. Even if they don’t have a place in mind, they’ll appreciate the gesture.
Most important of all, show the person that their thoughts and/or feelings have been heard. Take a moment before embarking on a conversation to consider how you might do this. You want to use the time to connect to the person with understanding and empathy.
Depending on how the conversation goes, take the necessary steps to follow up with the person and ensure they’re getting the relevant help they need. Reassure the person that they have people that care about them, and they can always reach out to you in the future.
Life is full of twists and turns, and there will be no shortage of moments when we won’t be okay. And your approach when asking that easy yet important question could mean the difference between a day-to-day call-and-response ritual, and a safe yet productive conversation. And a conversation could change a life.
Be here to hear this R U OK? Day.
Helplines are available:
Su***de Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Kids Helpline (up to 25 years): 1800 551 800
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Men’s Line Australia: 1300 789 978
Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
Q-life LGBTQIA+: 1800 184 527
Lifeline Text (6pm-12am): 0477 131 114
GriefLine: 1300 845 745