MHAW 2021: R U OK?

Reaching out to ask 'R U Okay' and having a ‘courageous conversation’ with someone you know or care about may help to save a life.  Perhaps they seem out o­­f sorts?  More agitated or withdrawn?  Or they’re just not themselves.  Trust that gut instinct and act on it.

Here is some advice on recognising the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety.

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?
• Am I able to give as much time as needed?

Am I prepared?

• Do I understand that if I ask if someone is OK, the answer could be: “No, I’m not”?
• Do I understand that you 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?  

Have I 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?

1. How to ask, 'R U OK?'

• Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach. 
• Help them open up by asking questions like "How are you going?" or "What’s been happening?"  
• Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like "You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?" 

If you get push back

• Tell them you’re still concerned about changes in their behaviour and you care about them. 
• Avoid confrontation. 
• You could say: “Please call me if you ever want to chat” or “Is there someone else you’d rather talk to?” 

2. Listen without judgement

• Take what they say seriously and don't interrupt or rush the conversation.
• Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.
• If they need time to think, sit patiently in the silence.
• Encourage them to explain: "How are you feeling about that?" or "How long have you felt that way?"
• Show that you've listened by repeating back what you’ve heard (in your own words) and ask if you have understood them properly. 

3. Encourage action

• Ask: “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?”
• Ask: “How would you like me to support you?"
• Ask: “What’s something you can do for yourself right now?  Something that’s enjoyable or relaxing?”
• You could say: "When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this...  You might find it useful too."
• If they've been feeling really down for more than two weeks, encourage them to see a health professional.  You could say, "It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you.  I'm happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.”
• Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times. 

If they need expert help

• Some conversations are too big for family and friends to take on alone.  If someone’s been really low for more than two weeks - or is at risk - please contact a professional as soon as you can.

4. Check in

• Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks.  If they're really struggling, follow up with them sooner.
• You could say: "I've been thinking of you and wanted to know how you've been going since we last chatted."
• Ask if they've found a better way to manage the situation.  If they haven't done anything, don't judge them.  They might just need someone to listen to them for the moment.
• Stay in touch and be there for them.  Genuine care and concern can make a real difference.