Before you check in with your friends, have you checked in on yourself?
When you ask someone “R U OK”, it is important that you are feeling okay too. As these conversations can be emotional and difficult, making sure you are the right person and in the right head space for it is key.
Here are three steps to help prepare yourself to ask “R U OK”:
- Am I ready?
- Am I prepared?
- Picked my moment?
How to ask “Are you OK?” | R U OK?
Do you want to ask your friends ‘R U Okay’ but don’t know how to?
Having conversations with your friends about their wellbeing is something that can be difficult, especially when you don’t know what to say. To make it easier for yourself and the friend you’re asking there are 4 simple steps you can use to help guide your chat.
- Ask “R U OK?”
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
Not sure where to take the conversation from here? Read more about navigating the rest of the conversation here.
What do you do when you cannot help anymore?
As a friend, you don’t have all the resources to help someone who is not feeling okay. After you have a conversation with someone, it is important to know what resources you can help them use. These resources have professionals that can carry on the conversation that you started with your friend.
Some of these resources are:
- Lifeline
- Beyond Blue
- Suicide Call Back Service
- Kids Helpline
- 13 Yarn
- QLife
Ready to check in on your friends?
This R U OK Day, be sure to look out for yourself and your friends. Asking one simple question can change a person’s entire day. For examples on how to have these conversations and additional information visit the R U Okay Day website.
