HOW TO HAVE THE CONVERSATION

Dr Kimberley Norris provides tips to help you ask R U OK?

Are you OK to ask someone else “R U OK?”

Dr Norris said first ask yourself if you are in a good enough place to be asking others “R U OK?” If not, ask someone else to check in with the person you’re worried about or wait until you have enough emotional energy to take on the conversation. “If we ourselves are struggling, that can make us less able to respond in the way that’s needed for someone else also having difficulty,” she said.

Prepare for the conversation

Dr Norris said those wanting extra practise could try the new R U OK? website feature and practise their conversation responses with a Google assistant. She said familiarise yourself with resources to recommend to the other person, such as Beyond Blue, Lifeline, counselling or GP services.

What to do if they say they are OK?

“For lots of different reasons people might say ‘yes, I’m fine’ even if they’re not,” Dr Norris said. If you’re still worried, ask the person about behavioural or mood changes you have observed and show them you care. “Let them know the invitation to talk remains open and check in again in a week,” she said. “But don’t harass or pressure them.”

What to do if they say they are not OK?

Let them share their feelings and thoughts without rushing them or guessing why their problems exist.

“It’s not our job to fix people, we just need to explore their issues and reassure them of their value and worth and then empower them to take action,” Dr Norris said.