Pittwater Life September 2020 Issue

Health & Wellbeing
Health & Wellbeing
How a conversation can
change a life: R U OK?
R
U OK? Day is on Thursday
September 10; it’s our national
day of action when
we remind Australians that
every day is the day to ask “are
you OK?” if someone in your
world is struggling with life’s
ups and downs.
It is an important day to
help everyone address mental
health issues, both inside and
outside of work. This is a great
opportunity to inspire and empower
everyone to meaningfully
connect with the people
around them.
Certainly 2020 has been a
challenging year for everyone
and circumstances have made
it even more important to stay
connected and, if possible,
support those around us.
You don’t have to be an
expert to keep the conversation
going when someone says
they’re not OK. By knowing
what to say, you can help
someone feel supported and
access appropriate help long
before they’re in crisis – which
can make a really positive difference
to their life.
If you feel like something’s
not quite the same with
someone you know, trust that
instinct and take the time to
ask them: “Are you OK?”
When you ask the question,
you’re not expected to fix their
problems or know the best way
to help. But you can listen to
what they’re saying and help
assist in offering the right
support.
And if someone says they’re
not OK, use these four steps to
help guide you into a conversation
that could change a life...
1. Ask R U OK?
A few suggested ‘icebreakers’
to help you broach the
subject:
n “I’ve noticed a few changes
in what you’ve been saying/doing.
How are things for you at
the moment?”
n “You don’t seem yourself
lately – would you like to talk
about it?”; and
n “You’ve got a lot going on
right now. How are you doing?”
2. Be a good listener
Ways to help a friend or loved
one feel at ease opening up
to you...
n “What’s been happening?”
n “I’m here to listen if you want
to talk more.”
n “What you’re going through
isn’t easy, it’s good we can talk
about it.”; and
n “Take your time, I’m here for
you.”
3. Encourage action
You can empower someone
to deal with their situation:
n “What do you think is a
first step that would help you
through this?”
n “What can I do right now to
support you?”
n “Have you spoken to your
doctor or health professional
about this?”; and
n “Is there anything you’ve
tried in the past when you’ve
felt like this, that’s made you
feel better?”
4.Check in
Monitor but don’t pressure...
n “I would like to keep checking
in with you, is that OK?”
n “Hey, how have you been
since we last chatted?”; and
n “Do you need more support?”
Not ready to talk?
If you find someone is not, in
this situation, you could say:
n “It’s just that you don’t seem
like yourself lately.”
with Andrew Snow
n “I’m always here if you want
to chat.”
n “Is there someone else you
trust that you feel you can talk
to?”
Plan an activity
We all can get involved to make
this occasion successful in our
community. Be creative and
think of ways you can bring
people together to learn what
to say after R U OK? This could
be hosting an event, such as
a sausage sizzle or morning
tea. Or plan activities that
encourage people to talk to
one another. This can assist
in breaking down barriers for
meaningful conversations,
then and in the future.
Useful contacts for someone
who is not OK include talking
to a trusted health care professional,
or call:
n Lifeline (24/7) 13 11 14
lifeline.org.au
n Suicide Call Back Service
(24/7) 1300 659 467 suicidecallbackservice.org.au
n Beyond Blue (24/7) 1300
224 636 beyondblue.org.au
n Kids Helpline (24/7) 1800
55 1800 kidshelpline.com.au
Pittwater Pharmacy &
Compounding Chemist at
Mona Vale has operated as
a family-run business since
1977. Open seven days; drop
in and meet the highly
qualified and experienced
team of Len, Sam and Amy
Papandrea and Andrew
Snow. Find them at 1771
Pittwater Rd; call 9999 3398.
62 SEPTEMBER 2020
The Local Voice Since 1991