Thursday 8 September is R U OK?Day – a nationwide day of motion that reminds us all to remain linked and make asking ‘are you OK?’ part of our each day lives. By genuinely asking ‘are you OK?’, and being ready to essentially hear, we will all assist somebody really feel linked and supported, earlier than they’re in disaster.
You do not must be an professional to ask “Are you OK?”
R U OK?’s analysis discovered that 4 in 10 Australians imagine asking somebody, ‘are you OK?’ is a dialog higher had with an professional. Whereas the work of well being professionals is significant, and their worth can’t be underestimated, all of us have a job to play in constructing extra linked communities and supporting people who find themselves doing it robust. Simply listening and giving somebody your time is likely to be simply what they should assist them by way of.
Younger individuals are most probably to show to family and friends as step one in getting assist. So it’s necessary for college kids to have the talents and confidence to securely help their friends and search assist when wanted, and to know that they’ve the capability to make a distinction.
Tricks to get the dialog began
All of us have what it takes to ask “are you OK?”. Simply listening and displaying you care can have a big effect on the life of somebody who’s struggling. However for those who’re in search of concepts, listed here are some suggestions to assist get the dialog going.
1. Ask “Are you OK?”
Begin the dialog at a time and in a spot the place you’ll each be snug. This is likely to be whereas strolling to highschool, chatting on social media or enjoying video games on-line.
Be relaxed and pleasant in your method and take into consideration how one can ease into the dialog. You might begin by letting them know you’ve seen a change. You would possibly say one thing like:
“I haven’t seen you a lot recently, is every little thing OK?”
“You appear a bit wired in the intervening time. Do you wish to discuss what’s happening?”
“You’ve missed coaching just a few occasions, do you are feeling like having a chat?”
2. Pay attention with an open thoughts
When you’ve began the dialog, allow them to communicate in their very own time. You don’t have to have the solutions or clear up the issue. Simply take a breath and hear with an open thoughts.
Replicate again what they’ve stated in your personal phrases, to allow them to know you’re listening and to examine your understanding. You would possibly prefer to ask some open ended questions, to assist them clarify what’s happening and the way they’re feeling. For instance:
“It sounds such as you’re coping with lots. Do you wish to inform me extra?”
“That sounds robust. How have you ever been coping?”
3. Encourage motion
As soon as they’ve opened up, allow them to know you’re there to assist. You don’t want to repair their issues, however you possibly can encourage them to determine a minimum of one motion which may enhance their state of affairs. This might be speaking to household, a trusted good friend, their physician or one other well being skilled, or doing one thing that’s helped them previously.
You might strive asking:
“Is there another person you’d really feel snug speaking to about this?”
“What often helps while you’re feeling down?”
“What do you want from me? How can I assist?”
4. Examine in
Keep in mind to examine in and see how the particular person is doing. Ask how they’re feeling since your final chat and in the event that they’ve executed one thing that has helped their state of affairs, regardless of how small.
Needless to say it may possibly take a very long time for somebody to be prepared to hunt skilled assist. Be constructive in regards to the function that healthcare professionals can play in supporting them. In the event that they’ve had a nasty expertise previously, encourage them to maintain making an attempt till they discover the appropriate assist.
For extra details about skilled help companies, go to ruok.org.au/findhelp.
Keep linked and hold checking in. Allow them to know you’re there for them if they should speak.
Getting the message on the market
Brainstorm Productions has been an R U OK? faculty companion since 2014. We’re keen about sharing the R U OK? message in Australian faculties, empowering college students to remain linked, help their mates and classmates, and search assist from household, faculty workers, healthcare professionals and different trusted adults.
Our reside performances are designed to help every faculty’s current scholar wellbeing packages and promote psychological well being and wellbeing in faculties, households and communities.
R U OK? additionally has a bunch of nice assets for educators, to additional help scholar wellbeing at your faculty.
In case you or somebody in your life wants disaster or emotional help, you possibly can contact Children Helpline (1800 55 1800), headspace or Lifeline (13 11 14), or you possibly can go to ruok.org.au/findhelp.
R U OK? is a nationwide charity devoted to inspiring all of us to have common, significant conversations to help anybody going by way of a troublesome time. You’ll be able to be taught extra at ruok.org.au.
