R U OK? Day, Thursday 9 September, presents an opportunity to stop and ask ourselves, our colleagues and our loved ones ‘R U OK?’.
When life gets busy, it is easy to forget to stop and check-in. Asking the question gives us a chance to connect with others in a time where we may be physically apart.
It’s also a great reminder that, in times like these, we should be checking in with each other regularly. Asking R U OK? every day is not only about checking in our mental health and wellbeing, but it is an opportunity to connect and engage with each other.
Sometimes, it can be tricky to start the conversation – here are some tips on how to start.
Listen with an open mind
It is important to approach these conversations with an open mind and acknowledge that things can be tough.
Encourage the person you are talking to by using prompts such as “how are you feeling about that?” or “how long have you felt that way?”. It can be helpful to show that you’ve listened by repeating back what you have heard in your own words and ask if you have understood them properly.
Encourage action
If you find that the person you have been talking to has been feeling down for a long period of time, encourage them to see a health professional. Speaking positively about seeking professional advice may help them feel more open to the idea. Some prompts you could use include:
- “What is something you can do for yourself right now? Something enjoyable or relaxing?”
- “When I was going through a tough time, I tried this…you might find it useful too.”
- “It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you.”
Check-in
Remember to check in regularly. Staying in touch and showing genuine care can make a real difference.
For more tips and resources, you can visit the R U OK? Day website.
Show us how you’re asking the question and win!
We love seeing the way you are asking R U OK? this year. Send in photos and a short story explaining how you and your team check-in on each other and you will go in the draw to win one of two meditation sessions for your team.
To enter, send your entry to Gaynor Henderson, Health and Wellbeing Coordinator (Gaynor.henderson@monashhealth.org) by Monday 13 September.
Need some inspiration? Check out how teams marked the day last year. Please ensure you are adhering to COVID-19 precautions, PPE requirements and social distancing.
Join us for a special panel on R U OK? Day
This year for R U OK? Day, we will be hosting a special employee wellbeing forum on Thursday 9 September. We will be joined by a number of panellists, including Lauren Stapleton, Monash Health Clinical Psychologist, and Andrew Jones, Converge International.
Our panellists will be discussing the best ways to start a conversation, how to check in with children and tips for best supporting your team.
We will also be joined by Jessica Woodward, Registered Nurse at Dandenong ED and Mel Goschnick, Acting Nurse Unit Manager, 31 North at Jessie McPherson. They will tell us about the different ways their teams check in on one another every day.
As a Monash Health employee, you have access to services such as EAP and Call a Psychologist. You can also find a number of emotional and mental health resources on the Monash Health COVID-19 website.
Approved by Karen Lowe