Now more than ever, it is important for us to take a moment and check in with those we care about.
Today is RU OK? Day, a day that reminds us to ask our friends, family, and colleagues “Are you OK?”.
This year’s theme is: Are they really okay? Ask them today.
It can often be harder to gauge how others around us are feeling, as we’re now so used to working remotely, only speaking via devices or behind masks, and not seeing each other as regularly as we normally would. We may not have noticed the visual cues that someone is struggling or needs help. R U OK? Day is your reminder to check in, ask someone you know if they are okay, and listen to their response. You might just save a life in the process.
It could be as simple as sending a text message, making a phone call, or arranging a video catch up.
You don’t need to be an expert to help someone who is struggling. Just being there for them, listening to them talk about what they’re going through, and helping them take action, can make all the difference.
And you’re not alone — the RU OK? Day website has a great range of resources and tools to help you support someone who isn’t doing okay, along with ideas on how to ask ‘R U OK?’ and where to find help.
If you yourself struggling with something and need support, the RU OK? Day website has a list of national organisations that can offer immediate support, and we’ve compiled a range of local services you can reach out to. Help is just a phone call or email away.