R U OK? A conversation can change a life

R U OK? Day 2023 on Thursday 14 September is a day that reminds us that we don't need to be an expert to reach out and ask someone if they are OK. The public health promotion charity's theme for 2023 is here to really hear, a message that encourages us to genuinely listen to people we care about who might be struggling, helping them to open up and find strategies or appropriate support to better manage life's ups and downs.

We all have what it takes to ask, listen and support one another. But checking in with others, even a close friend, can sometimes feel like a daunting task. Even though advocacy for mental health has come a long way in recent years, 2019 research revealed that: 

• 63% of people are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling;
• 41% hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs; and
• 49% believed they’d be more confident starting a conversation if they knew the signs.

The R U OK? mission is to equip all Australians with the resources and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone who might be struggling. Those who are exposed to the R U OK? Day campaign are up to six times more likely to reach out to someone who might need to be asked 'are you OK', compared to those not exposed to the campaign.

Genuinely listening with an open mind makes a difference in helping people feel connected and supported. To raise awareness for identifying when someone might be struggling and how we can step in to support each other, R U OK? have developed four simple steps for starting a conversation that could change a life:

1. 1. Ask R U OK?
2. 2. Listen
3. 3. Encourage action
4. 4. Check in

Building a trusting relationship and genuinely listening in a safe and private environment are important when engaging in a meaningful R U OK? conversation. It also helps to choose the right time and place to talk to someone about how they're feeling and what's going on in ther life, whether that is:

• On breaks from work or study
• When exercising together
• When connecting or doing activities together online
• When you’re spending time together socially
• When you’re doing an activity side-by-side
• When you’re sharing a meal
• When you’re travelling together, even a short trip can be a good time to talk.

Please visit the R U OK? website to learn more about the signs that indicate it may be time to ask someone if they are OK, and for tips and strategies on how to start a conversation and encourage action.

If you need immediate crisis or emotional support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, or any of the support resources listed on the R U OK? website.

In recognition of R U OK? Day, the University of Sydney is hosting several events on campus, with plenty of activities to enjoy while meaningfully connecting with your fellow students and staff.

R U OK? Day events