It’s a seemingly short and simple question: Are you okay?
But we all know the answer can sometimes be anything but simple. Despite this, it’s a question that represents strength, connection and support across our communities when it’s asked with care.
R U Okay Day is our annual reminder to keep this question in mind and look out for each other when things get tough.
What is R U Okay Day?
R U Okay Day, celebrated on the second Thursday of September each year, is about sparking conversations around mental health.
The idea is simple but powerful: ask someone, “Are you okay?” and genuinely listen to their response. It’s a reminder to check in on our friends and loved ones and let them know we care.
Mental health is something that affects all of us. We all experience good and bad mental health at different times. For many, these experiences are short-lived and situational: a big exam or school assignment causes us stress, or we argue with a friend or family.
For others, they can be long-term and a challenge to deal with.
R U Okay Day is dedicated to ensuring our friends, family, and even strangers know they’re not alone in their struggles.
Why It Matters
Mental health is a significant concern for young Australians. The pressures of school, social life, and growing up can be overwhelming.
R U Okay Day matters because it encourages us to reach out and support each other, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.
By starting conversations, we can help those who may be silently struggling.
3 Ways to Support and Engage with R U Okay Day
You don’t have to be a qualified therapy professional to be able to make a big difference in someone’s life.
Just by showing solidarity with the day, you signify to those around you that you have a positive approach to mental health and are supportive if they need someone to talk to.
Here are a few other ways to support R U Okay Day:
- Ask the Question: Reach out to your friends, classmates, and family members and ask, “Are you okay?” Make sure you’re genuinely interested in their well-being and ready to listen without judgment.
- Spread the Word: Share R U Okay Day’s message on social media, create posters for your school or organise awareness-raising activities. The more people know about it, the bigger the impact.
- Educate Yourself: Learn about mental health issues and how to be a supportive friend. You can attend workshops, read books, or access online resources to better understand the challenges people face.
3 Ways to Know Someone Might Need Help
Sometimes, people who are struggling don’t want us to know they’re struggling.
We often believe we have to be strong and resilient, and while resilience is great, it’s also okay NOT to feel okay at times.
If you’re worried someone close to you might need extra support, here are a few signs to look out for:
- Sudden Changes: If you notice a friend or family member undergoing drastic changes in behaviour, such as withdrawing from social activities, extreme mood swings, or declining school performance, it may be a sign they need help.
- Expressed Feelings: Sometimes, people drop hints about their struggles. Pay attention if someone mentions feeling overwhelmed, sad, or hopeless. They might be reaching out for support indirectly.
- Isolation: Isolation is a common coping mechanism. If someone starts isolating themselves and avoiding contact with friends and family, it could be a sign they need someone to talk to. Reach out and let them know you’re ready to talk or hang out whenever they’re ready.
3 Key Myths About Youth Mental Health
Unfortunately, there’s still a lot of stigma, misconceptions and myths around mental health – especially for young people.
R U Okay Day is an opportunity to break down these old ideas and to keep starting fresh conversations that change the narrative around how we talk about mental health for everyone.
Here are a few myths we reckon should be left behind this year:
1. Myth: Mental Health Issues Only Affect Adults
- Truth: Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age. Many young people experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
2. Myth: Talking About Mental Health Makes It Worse
- Truth: Open and honest conversations about mental health can lead to understanding and support, reducing the stigma surrounding it.
3. Myth: You Should Always Have All the Answers
- Truth: You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, just being there to listen and show empathy is enough to make a difference.
This September, Ask R U Okay?
Remember, R U Okay Day is more than just a day; it’s a reminder to check in on one another and promote a culture of care and support.
By asking the question and being there for each other, we can create a safer and more compassionate world for all of us.
