One question can open the door to a conversation that someone may have been waiting to have.
As R U OK? Day approaches on Thursday 10 September, Headspace Meadowbrook is encouraging the community to look beyond simply asking ‘are you OK?’ and make time for meaningful conversations.
R U OK? Day provides an opportunity to remind people that checking in with friends, family and colleagues doesn’t need to be complicated.
Headspace Meadowbrook community engagement coordinator Genevieve Shaw said R U OK? Day was an important reminder for helping to build confidence around starting conversations around wellbeing.
“It promotes stigma reduction around mental wellbeing, highlights the importance of building connections and promotes early help seeking behaviour…
“We support young people aged 12-25 and see firsthand how a single conversation can be the first step for someone to get the support they need,” Ms Shaw said.
For someone who is struggling, knowing that someone has noticed and is willing to listen can make a significant difference.
“Starting a conversation can help the individual to feel seen, heard, valued and supported.
“Small check-ins can also help reduce someone’s feelings of isolation or loneliness, helping them to see they don’t have to face things alone and they can get the support they need to thrive.”
While some people may openly talk about what they’re going through, others may show changes in their behaviour or mood instead.
Every person has their own coping styles so the signs can differ depending on the person.
“Some common ones to look out for include withdrawing from hobbies, socialising less and isolating more, becoming irritable or quick to anger, seeming more tired than usual, changes in sleep, energy, or appetite, stepping back from commitments, difficulty concentrating or missing deadlines, expressing feelings of hopelessness or of being a burden to others,” Ms Shaw said.
Asking the question is only the first step. For those who are worried about saying the wrong thing, Headspace Meadowbrook says the most important thing is to listen and give the person space to talk.
“If someone is brave enough to say they are not okay, the most important thing you can do is let them talk through what’s happening for them.
“When they’re ready, encourage them to seek support through a professional and check-in on them after the discussion, that might be the next day or the next week… When in doubt remember your friend ALEC – Ask, Listen, Encourage, Check-in.”
People in the Beenleigh and Logan communities don’t have to navigate difficult periods alone, with a range of local services available to provide support.
“There are many supports available locally for people of all ages… including Headspace, Logan Medicare Mental Health Centre, Beenleigh Community Health Centre, Brook RED,
“Community Care Beenleigh, Grow Support, Centre Against Sexual Violence, ACCESS Community Service,” Ms Shaw said.
R U OK? Day may only happen once a year, but Headspace Meadowbrook hopes the conversations it encourages will continue throughout the year.
“These conversations save lives. It’s not about fixing someone, it’s about supporting your community. We all benefit from the destigmatisation of mental ill health and the easiest way to do your part is to encourage open and honest conversations about taking care of your mental health,” Ms Shaw said.
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