R U OK? Day is a National Day of Action in September, organised by the suicide prevention charity R U OK? to raise awareness of mental health and the importance of asking those around you if they are okay, encouraging more meaningful conversations.

The charity’s mission is to guide people on when and how to ask, “Are you okay?”, how to handle what could become a difficult conversation, and how to support those who are struggling. You might think, “Shouldn’t every day be R U OK? Day?” and the answer is yes. Having the conversation and asking the question can change a life any day of the year. 

I used to believe that if people were struggling, they could easily find access to support if they needed it, until I faced my own mental health challenges and realised it isn’t that simple to do it alone. Having people in your family, friend group, or community who are ready to have those deeper and sensitive conversations, as well as being able to recognise signs and signals of distress, can help prevent what could become a crisis. 

The University offers a variety of formal and informal support services, ranging from counsellors, crisis support, peer mentors, and chaplaincy. Or you can simply catch up for coffee with a friend. 

I spoke with a few of the chaplains on Callaghan campus, who are not only experienced and credentialled religious workers but also compassionate supporters of the entire university community. They offer guidance in all situations, whether spiritual or not, and you don’t need to belong to a religious group to seek their support. Their insights emphasised the importance of asking “are you okay?” and gave valuable advice for anyone who is struggling, regardless of their faith or beliefs. 

What does R U OK? Day mean to you? 

It means another valuable opportunity to check in with people about how they are navigating life. It is so important to show others that you do care about where they are at. Even though we are all very busy it can be a very lonely journey for some and so another person showing interest in you can make the world of difference. – Paul Roussos

It’s a great initiative that allows people across the community to feel connected, check in on each other, and reflect on whether they themselves feel okay. – Kim Langford

What advice would you give someone in asking R U OK? 

I think the biggest challenge is displaying sincerity in our desire to check up on someone. Our body language and the way we ask can make a connection with people or not. If someone responds that they are not doing OK, we need to treat the response as sacred, recognising that the person has shared something from their heart. – Paul Roussos

What guidance would you give an individual who is struggling? 

Don’t brush off the response; take the time to listen. We don’t have to have all the answers.  It is more important to sit in silence with someone than to pretend you have a solution to all of life’s issues. Of course, having your list of referrals is always handy, but I really think this can come later. – Paul Roussos

If the individual is really floundering, I would refer them to the university support services, such as counselling, and walk with them there, to help them discuss their concerns further and feel more confident in accessing support. – Kim Langford

R U OK? Day is not just one day a year—it’s every day! Building deeper connections and having meaningful conversations with family, friends, and fellow students, as well as recognising warning signs, can help protect those around you from a potential mental health crisis. Asking someone, “Are you OK?” can make them feel less alone and provide them with the support they may need to overcome challenges they might be facing in silence.  

We encourage these open conversations to happen every day, with the hope that if you ever need support, someone will be there to ask you if you are OK. If you are struggling or want to know more about how to access support for yourself or someone you know, please reach out to the student support services available online and on campus. 

“When we genuinely ask, ‘are you OK?’ and are prepared to talk to them about how they’re feeling and what’s going on in their life, we can help someone who might be struggling feel connected and supported, long before they’re in crisis.” – R U OK? website