Are You (Really) Okay?
It has been a whirlwind of an 18 months, and because of this it is more important than ever to ask each other how we are going. In celebration of R U OK?Day 2021 we are encouraging you to ask friends and family if they are really okay.
R U OK?Day is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have meaningful conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.
With the current lockdown extended till the end of September, we may be feeling a little overwhelmed. Working from home has become the norm for some of us, spending time with family and friends has diminished, kids have lost face-to-face interaction with their teachers and classmates, and those living alone may be feeling more isolated.
That’s why the need to check-in on our family and friends has never been so important. R U OK?Day encourages us to have a purposeful conversation to help a family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not okay, you can use the following strategies suggested by R U OK?Day to show them they are supported:
1. Ask if they are okay?
Be casual about it and give them time to answer. This could be a scheduled or impromptu video call or even an old fashion phone call. Ask them:
“How have you been finding lockdown?”
“How are you really?”
“Is there anything on your mind you want to talk about?”
2. Listen with an open mind
Don’t judge what they’re saying, and ask them to explain why they are feeling the way they are. If you’re chatting with them on a video call be sure to stay attentive.
3. Encourage action
Ask them what they can do for themselves right now to feel better. Being in lockdown makes this more challenging than usual. So, you could give them ideas such as going for a walk, ordering their favourite food to be delivered, or you could send a care-package. If you sense how they’re feeling has been ongoing for longer than two weeks be positive about reaching out for professional help via tele-health.
4. Check In
Regularly check-in and ask how they are going. Such as organising a scheduled time to meet to go for a walk (please keep in mind COVID restrictions), a phone call or text to ensure they are going okay.
If the person you have asked is okay then they will know you care enough to ask. If no-one has checked in on you to see how you are, remember you’re always welcome to seek out help from us. We are always here as our mission is positivity through psychology.
There are many tools available on the R U OK? Day website. Feel free to check them out here.
For more on how to look after yourself and others, click here and check out our other Tiviti Tips.
If you need some immediate help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit your nearest hospital, or if you want to speak with us today book an appointment.