R U OK day

Mental health and suicide prevention have become critical topics of public discussion in the last few decades. Awareness of mental illness has been advanced by ...

Poverty and discrimination [cause harm](https://www.aihw.gov.au/getmedia/746ded57-183a-40e9-8bdb-828e21203175/aihw-aus-221-chapter-4-2.pdf.aspx). [listen](https://www.southpacificprivate.com.au/how-to-respond-when-someone-discloses-trauma/). [Survivors of trauma](https://www.openminds.org.au/news/understanding-trauma-and-ptsd) often have [poor physical and mental health](https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/stress-and-trauma). [online programs and checklists](https://www.headtohealth.gov.au/), mental health symptoms can overlap with a number of physical diseases, including thyroid disease, anaemia and even diabetes or heart disease. Mental illnesses can be short term or lifelong, mild to severe, and cover a range of symptoms including [distressing thoughts, feelings, physical sensations and behaviours](https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/signs-mental-health-issue). [continue to rise](https://www.abs.gov.au/articles/first-insights-national-study-mental-health-and-wellbeing-2020-21). [deeper existential issues](https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/jan/30/covid-is-an-existential-crisis-that-comes-from-an-awareness-of-your-own-freedoms), particularly in adolescence. [trauma](https://www.phoenixaustralia.org/your-recovery/) can have memories, experiences and emotions that affect them daily, often without warning. [Health care workers](https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/mental-health-services/mental-health-services-in-australia/report-contents/mental-health-workforce), [teachers](https://mhfa.com.au/schools) and [community members](https://mhfa.com.au/) have increased their capacity and expertise in mental health work. Are we just [performing empathy](https://www.theguardian.com/science/head-quarters/2017/feb/07/empathy-is-crucial-to-being-a-good-person-right-think-again) without purpose, making a token query that is ultimately futile? [critical topics](https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/mental-health-and-suicide-prevention/what-were-doing-about-mental-health) of public discussion in the last few decades. [RUOK Day](https://www.ruok.org.au/), it is understandable we feel unsure a simple question can make a difference.

Thursday September 8 marks R U OK? Day 2022. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (2020) reports that 8 Australians take their lives...

But I have the tools and the resources to go out and speak to people” Burke said. “You don’t have to walk this path of depression alone. They really want to help.” People really want to listen. “When you are in depression, you don’t want to burden people with your problems. I didn’t really let anyone know about it.”

If you're asking someone if they're okay, you should be relaxed, friendly, and concerned at the start of your chat. Don't criticise the other person or ...

If you’re going to engage with this program, please do so in a sincere manner. Be specific and genuine when describing why you’re concerned about their wellbeing, if this is the case, and when you tell them that you care about them. You can also speak with someone confidentially at Headspace by calling 1800 650 890 or It’s worth noting that nobody forced Susan to behave in this manner. “To actually care.” “It is much better to connect with someone using actual empathy,” stated Lily. Susan then asked Lily if she was “okaaaay” in a patronising manner. I don’t want to go to her Last year, one of Lily’s coworkers Susan* asked if she was okay in a jokey manner. Because, unfortunately, some people do treat R U OK? [R U OK? I am currently unable to process this situation.

Commonwealth Bank's Chief Mental Health Officer, Dr Laura Kirby, explains why we don't need professional qualifications to start important conversations ...

"It’s what we do on a daily basis and how we provide that environment of support that makes the real difference. “CBA has resources available, all the time, for employees and their families. Day is an important reminder for employees of one way we can all support mental health at work.

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Make every day R U OK? [000](tel:000). Day library book list](https://bayside.spydus.com/cgi-bin/spydus.exe/ENQ/WPAC/BIBENQ?QRY=SVL(RUOKDay)&SORTS=DESC]HBT.SOVR&QRYTEXT=R%20U%20OK%20Day) If they are OK, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask. Day](https://www.ruok.org.au/), a day that inspires and empowers everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them. R U OK?

I had the honour of hosting lunch for the school's awesome Year 12 students recently, as they continue counting down the remaining weeks of wearing their school ...

The world's in a bit of a mess. Like a hospital, a church is full of people who need healing in their mental, physical and emotional health. And sharing in community is an ingredient essential for thriving. and, "I'm here if you need to chat." It's almost ridiculous to ask, "Are you okay?" Day](https://www.ruok.org.au/), alongside other people who understand we need to be saved from ourselves.

As part of RUOK? Day this week, Alfred Health staff from across all sites tuned into a conversation about the importance of compassion for others and for self. Special guest Mary Freer, the author of Compassion Revolution, led the discussion with her ...

"Today is a great reminder of the fact we need to continue supporting and checking in with each other, regardless of the day.” “We need to re-orient ourselves, our teams, and our organisations in this odd new landscape – that is about establishing grounding and horizon.” As part of RUOK?

Voice of Real Australia is a regular newsletter from Australian Community Media, which has journalists in every state and territory.

The world's in a bit of a mess. Like a hospital, a church is full of people who need healing in their mental, physical and emotional health. And sharing in community is an ingredient essential for thriving. and, "I'm here if you need to chat." It's almost ridiculous to ask, "Are you okay?" Day](https://www.ruok.org.au/), alongside other people who understand we need to be saved from ourselves.