{"id":21335,"date":"2023-09-14T09:09:38","date_gmt":"2023-09-13T23:09:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/explorecareers.emotedigital.com.au\/?p=21335"},"modified":"2023-09-14T09:09:38","modified_gmt":"2023-09-13T23:09:38","slug":"r-u-okay-day-connect-care-and-make-a-difference","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/explorecareers.com.au\/r-u-okay-day-connect-care-and-make-a-difference\/","title":{"rendered":"R U Okay Day: Connect, Care, and Make a Difference!"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s a seemingly short and simple question:<\/strong> Are you okay?<\/em><\/p>\n

But we all know the answer can sometimes be anything but simple. Despite this, it\u2019s a question that represents strength, connection and support across our communities when it\u2019s asked with care.<\/p>\n

R U Okay Day<\/a> is our annual reminder to keep this question in mind and look out for each other when things get tough.<\/p>\n

What is R U Okay Day?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

R U Okay Day, celebrated on the second Thursday of September each year, is about sparking conversations around mental health<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

For others, they can be long-term and a challenge to deal with.<\/em><\/p>\n

R U Okay Day<\/a> is dedicated to ensuring our friends, family, and even strangers know they’re not alone in their struggles.<\/p>\n

Why It Matters<\/strong><\/h4>\n

Mental health is a significant concern for young Australians. The pressures of school<\/a>, social life, and growing up can be overwhelming.<\/p>\n

R U Okay Day matters because it encourages us to reach out and support each other, breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health issues.<\/p>\n

By starting conversations, we can help those who may be silently struggling.<\/p>\n

3 Ways to Support and Engage with R U Okay Day<\/strong><\/h4>\n

You don\u2019t have to be a qualified therapy professional to be able to make a big difference in someone\u2019s life.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Here are a few other ways to support R U Okay Day:<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Ask the Question:<\/strong> Reach out to your friends, classmates, and family members and ask, “Are you okay?”<\/a> Make sure you’re genuinely interested in their well-being and ready to listen without judgment.<\/li>\n
  2. Spread the Word:<\/strong> Share R U Okay Day’s message<\/a> on social media, create posters for your school or organise awareness-raising activities. The more people know about it, the bigger the impact.<\/li>\n
  3. Educate Yourself:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    3 Ways to Know Someone Might Need Help<\/strong><\/h4>\n

    Sometimes, people who are struggling don\u2019t want us to know they\u2019re struggling.<\/p>\n

    We often believe we have to be strong and resilient, and while resilience is great, it\u2019s also okay NOT to feel okay at times.<\/p>\n

    If you\u2019re worried someone close to you might need extra support, here are a few signs to look out for:<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. Sudden Changes:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n
    2. Expressed Feelings:<\/strong> 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.<\/li>\n
    3. Isolation:<\/strong> 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\u2019re ready to talk or hang out whenever they\u2019re ready.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      3 Key Myths About Youth Mental Health<\/strong><\/h4>\n

      Unfortunately, there\u2019s still a lot of stigma, misconceptions and myths around mental health – especially for young people.<\/p>\n

      R U Okay Day is an opportunity to break down these old ideas and to keep starting fresh conversations<\/a> that change the narrative around how we talk about mental health for everyone.<\/p>\n

      Here are a few myths we reckon should be left behind this year:<\/p>\n

      1. Myth: Mental Health Issues Only Affect Adults<\/strong><\/h5>\n
        \n
      • Truth:<\/strong> Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of age. Many young people experience anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
        2. Myth: Talking About Mental Health Makes It Worse<\/strong><\/h5>\n
          \n
        • Truth:<\/strong> Open and honest conversations about mental health can lead to understanding and support, reducing the stigma surrounding it.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
          3. Myth: You Should Always Have All the Answers<\/strong><\/h5>\n
            \n
          • Truth:<\/strong> You don’t need to have all the answers. Sometimes, just being there to listen and show empathy is enough to make a difference.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

            This September, Ask R U Okay?<\/strong><\/h4>\n

            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.<\/p>\n

            By asking the question and being there for each other, we can create a safer and more compassionate world for all of us.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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