R U OK? Day

What is R U OK? Day

R U OK? Day is celebrated on the second Thursday of September every year. It was initiated by R U OK, an Australian non-profit organisation, that focuses on providing mental health support and encouraging people to have conversation with others.

A conversation could change a life and you have what it takes to make a difference. You can help people who might be struggling to feel connected and supported by intentionally asking ‘Are you OK?’ and starting a conversation.

It’s really easy to start the R U OK? conversation and check in with friends and loved ones.

Check out the tips below from the team at R U OK.

Step 1: Ask R U OK?

There is a high chance that people you know won’t always tell you if something is troubling them. Therefore, it is important that you ask ‘are you OK?’ when you notice negative changes in what your family, friends, and colleagues are saying or doing.

How to begin the R U OK? conversation:

Choose the right moment and start the conversation at a comfortable time and setting.
If they can’t talk at the moment, schedule another time to talk with them.
Be relaxed and friendly to make them open up easier.
If they’re not ready when you approach them, make sure they know you care and will be there for them when they are finally ready.

Step 2: Listen

Practice active listening where your main goal is to understand rather than responding.
Don’t judge or rush to advise right away.
Asking open-ended questions to encourage further responses.
Prove you’ve listened by repeating back what has been said and ask if you have understood them correctly.

Step 3: Encourage Action

Encourage them to take action in solving the problem or consider professional support if appropriate.
Suggest possible steps and actions they can take to manage their situation.
Ask them to talk to a trusted family member, friend or doctor for support.
Help them reflect on what has worked for them when they faced similar challenges in the past.
Help them make plans of activities that help bring them joy and offer to do them together!

Step 4: Check In

Ask if they’re feeling better or have things improved since you’ve last spoken to them.
If they haven’t improved, be encouraging and remind them that you’ll always be there to listen to them.
Try to reinforce the benefits of seeking professional help and be understanding of how it might take a long time to be ready to meet a health professional.
Stay connected and show genuine support for the people you love and care for!

Don’t be afraid to start a conversation any day of the year because you never know how much your simple actions will mean to someone else! A simple question could lead to a lifetime friendship or save your loved ones long before they’re in crisis.

This is also a meaningful action to take as a student! You might notice another student struggling with loneliness, exam stress, academic pressure, financial stress, cost of living, or even uncertainty about the future. When that happens, lend them a listening ear and be that support they need just like how you wish someone would support you if you ever end up in the same situation.

Student Profile

Name: Krystal

Role: Intern

What are you studying at UNSW?

Foundation program at UNSW College in the design and architecture stream.

How would you normally reach out to someone you noticed has been feeling down for a while?

I would usually go up to them and check up on them by asking, “”How are you feeling?””. Then, I would try to give emotional support to them by saying some comforting phrases. I might even hug them to let them know that they are loved so they can be cheered up and not feel sad anymore.

Do you have any tips on helping someone open up to to you?

I think being present and attentive, asking open-ended questions, initiating to share my personal experiences, reflecting and summarising, giving encouraging messages, and giving emotional support help someone open up to me. I think they are all good techniques to use to allow someone to open up to you.

Have you ever experienced a moment when a simple conversation has helped you feel connected and supported?

Yes, I have. I remember one time I was disappointed in myself after receiving my grades, and my friend came up to me and talked to me. I found that comforting, and I felt better after having a chat with her.”