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R U OK? 2019


Sep 10, 2019

R U OK? Day Thursday 12 September, 2019

Is our national day of action dedicated to reminding everyone that every day is the day to ask, “Are you ok?” and support those struggling with life's ups and down . This year we want everyone to Trust the Signs, Trust your Gut & Ask R U OK?
 

R U OK?'s vision is a world where we're all connected and are protected from suicide.
 
Their mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them and support anyone struggling with life.
 
Their goals are to: 
 
1. Boost our confidence to meaningfully connect and ask about life's ups and downs
2. Nurture our sense of responsibility to regularly connect and support others
3. Strengthen our sense of belonging because we know people are there for us
4. Be relevant, strong and dynamic
 

LEARN THE SIGNS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Nearly 1 in 2 Australians (49%) believe they’d be more confident starting an R U OK? conversation if they knew the signs that could indicate someone's struggling with life.
 
 
 
R U OK? has developed four conversation steps to help you navigate a conversation with someone you're worried about:
Got a niggling feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it.
 
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.

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? 
  • Can I give as much time as needed? 



AM I PREPARED?
  • Do I understand that if I ask how someone’s going, 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?  
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?
 
 

HOW TO ASK

 
 
1. 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

 
PUSH BACK
 
  • If they don’t want to talk, don’t criticise them. 
  • Tell them you’re still concerned about changes in their behaviour and you care about them. 
  • Avoid a 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 with 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 2 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. 
 

HELP IN A CRISIS

 
The truth is, some conversations just become too big for family and friends. If you’re worried about someone and feel urgent professional support is needed, contact your local doctor or the agencies below.

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Please feel free to contact us between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday and 8am to 12 noon, Saturday to organise an appointment time.

  • by phone: (03) 5572 2422

  • by fax: (03) 5571 1606

Hamilton Medical Group

  • Hamilton Medical Group
  • Foster St  PO box 560
  • Hamilton
  • VIC 3300, Australia

    Phone: (03) 5572 2422

    Fax: (03) 5571 1606

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