R U OK Day

A CONVERSATION CAN CHANGE A LIFE

R U OK? inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the  people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling with life.

You don't need to be an expert to reach out - just a good friend and a great listener. 

Use these four steps and have a conversation that could change a life:



1. Ask R U OK?

2. Listen

3. Encourage action

4. Check in

Got a feeling that someone you kno

w or care about 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 More agitated or withdrawn?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. Learn more about the signs and when it's time to ask R U OK? here.

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 I 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?

The above information is from the RU OK? Website where you can read more https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask