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R U OK? /
Health
you don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and a great listener, which we know Probians are renowned for.
R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton says even
‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’, is the message for R U OK?Day 2020 (on Thursday 10 September) and will focus on building confidence and increased skills for people so they know how to navigate a conversation with someone in their life who might be struggling.
if we’re still being asked to physically distance ourselves from one another, there is something we all can do, and that is to look out for each other. “We’re all going through a difficult time because of COVID-19. The situation is continuing to change every day and for some people it can be pretty scary. You might be feeling disconnected, be physically unwell, or experiencing heightened levels of anxiety,” said Ms Newton.
This year R U OK?Day coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day which will further raise awareness of the scale of suicide globally and the role that each of us can play in prevention efforts.
R U OK? want Australians to be confident in having a meaningful conversation and if someone says they’re not OK, make time to listen with an open mind, encourage action and regularly check in.
“Life might not be the same as it was before and we might need to live with some ongoing restrictions and physically distancing. “But there is always something we can do and that is look out for each other.”
‘There’s more to say after R U OK?’
R U OK? is encouraging the extensive network of Probians around the South Pacific to draw on your individual and collective valuable life experiences to further promote a sense of community, reach out and ask friends, family and neighbours ‘Are you OK?’.
Learn what to say next at www.ruok.org.au
R U OK? is an Australian suicide prevention charity. Its mission is to inspire and empower everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and to support those struggling with life. Find out more: ruok.org.au Need help? Find help now.
Be aware of any changes in behaviour or the way people communicate. Trust your instincts and look out for the signs - consider the tone and language they’re using; are they answering your calls; are they communicating as you would expect? Whether you’re struggling yourself or worried about someone else we urge you to trust your instincts and stay connected. To Stay Connected: • • •
Create a list: Think about who in your world, personal or professional, near or far who might be struggling. Dedicate the time: Make ‘time to ask’ as part of your daily routine. Choose your channel: Communicate in way that works for you both: make a phone call, send an SMS, video call, email or, if you can meet in person you might want to chat over the fence, go for a walk together or catch up for a cuppa.
Each day think about who in your world might be struggling and make a plan to reach out to them and ask ‘Are you okay?’. That simple question and a conversation has the power to change someone’s life for the better.
SEPTEMBER-OCTOBER 2020 ACTIVE RETIREES |
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| WWW.PROBUSSOUTHPACIFIC.ORG