You can make a difference to someone who鈥檚 struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life up鈥檚 and down鈥檚.
If you feel like something鈥檚 up with someone you know 鈥� there鈥檚 something going on in their life or you notice a change in what they鈥檙e saying or doing 鈥� trust your gut instinct and take the time to ask them 鈥楢re you OK?鈥�
You don鈥檛 have to be an expert to have a caring, meaningful conversation.
Follow R U OK鈥檚 four conversation steps:
1.聽 Ask R U OK?
- Pick the right time to start the conversation
- Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like 鈥淵ou seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?鈥�
2. Listen
- Take what they have to say seriously and don鈥檛 interrupt or rush the conversation.
- Encourage them to explain: 鈥淗ow are you feeling about that鈥� or 鈥淗ow long have you felt that way?鈥�
- Show that you鈥檙e listening by repeating back what you鈥檝e heard (in your own words) and ask if you understood them properly.
3. Encourage Action
- Help them think of next steps they could take to help them manage their situation.
- If they鈥檝e been down for more than 2 weeks encourage them to see a health professional.
- Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times.
4. Check in
- Schedule a reminder to call them in a couple of weeks. If they鈥檙e really struggling, check in with them sooner.
- Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference!
You can also find more conversation tips on the .
If somebody鈥檚 not OK, there is support available to help.
- : 1800 244 043 or studentwellbeing@curtin.edu.au
- (available 24 hours a day): 13 11 14
- (available 24 hours a day): 1300 224 636
- (available 24 hours a day): 1300 659 467
- : 1800 187 263
