R U OK? Day is an annual campaign, occurring on 14 September and is facilitated by the R U OK? Organisation. The campaign encourages Australians to check in with their friends, families, colleagues, and strangers and ask them if they’re okay.
R U OK? Day shouldn’t be the only day of year when we are checking in on others. In fact, the R U OK? Organisation encourages us to do it regularly. By asking someone about how they are doing, you give them the opportunity to be transparent about their feelings or struggles, and this can be the first step for them to seek further support and prevent what may seem like small issues from turning into bigger ones.
You never know what someone is going through and when you ask someone those three simple words (are you okay?), you could potentially be saving someone’s life.
How to ask a young person if they’re okay
Children and young people experience many challenges, particularly in adolescence. Young people go through many changes and can become overwhelmed by different factors in their lives. Whether it’s school, difficult home lives, navigating challenging relationships or responsibilities. Therefore, it’s important to regularly check in with young people.
To help support young people and make sure they feel heard, you can start by asking them if they are okay. If, however, they don’t want to talk, respect their wishes and let them know that you will be there for them when/ if they change their mind, and remind them of other support that is available should they wish to speak to someone else.
Checking in with young people shouldn’t be a once-off thing. Everyone needs to be constantly supported and reminded that help is always available.
Signs that a young person might be struggling
Sometimes it’s not always obvious that someone may be struggling with their wellbeing or emotions. Some people are very good at hiding how they are really feeling. Therefore, it’s important to always check in on people and observe behaviours that may seem a little more out of the ordinary.
Some of the common signs to look out for, that may indicate a young person is struggling, include having a reduced interest or enjoyment in usually fun activities, appearing withdrawn or more anxious than usual, increased irritability and frustration, and/ or increased sadness and struggling with concentration and decision making. Additionally, they may be experiencing changes in eating habits, sleeping troubles and feeling more tired or un-energetic, engaging in self-harm, or experiencing suicidal thoughts.
What support is available?
Nobody is ever alone. If you’re struggling and feel unable to confide in a friend or loved one you can seek support from a professional counselling service or crisis support service like Lifeline or Beyond Blue.
Alternatively, if you’re concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of someone else, you can respectfully remind them that there are services available to help them navigate challenging or turbulent times.
Anglicare Southern Queensland provides a range of counselling services for people experiencing challenges in their family, relationships, or home dynamics, matters related to alcohol and other drugs, and domestic and family violence. To learn more about these services, please contact our intake line on 1300 114 397.
Additionally, for urgent crisis support, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Belong Blue on 1300 224 636. These services provide 24-hour support. If your life or the life of someone else is in imminent danger, please call 000.