Today is R U OK?Day. So now is as good a time as any to ask someone how they are going. It is our national day that urges us to take action by checking in on someone.
The aim of the R U OK? organisation is to encourage people to connect with others and provide support to anyone who may be struggling with life.
According to the 2007 National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing conducted by the ABS, approximately 45% of the Australia population will have a mental disorder at some point in their life. That number is way too high, and means that most likely all of us will be affected by mental illness at some point in some way.
If you sense something is a little off with a friend, family member or colleague you shouldn’t hesitate to ask if they are ok. It only takes a few seconds to say the words that could end up having a huge impact on their life.
Unfortunately we tend to find it hard or become nervous to ask this question. Yet today is the day when any of those barriers should come down. And if you need a little help or want some more information, you can head to the RUOK? website for more guidance and tools.
I say ask away every day – all you have to lose is showing someone you care.