This article was written by Respect Wellbeing and Inclusion Student Ambassador, Abbey Mason.
R U OK? Day is an annual event on the second Thursday of September, with 2024’s falling on Thursday 12 September. The day is a reminder that we all need a little extra support sometimes, and that it’s okay to ask for help and to offer voluntary help to those around you. It’s also a celebration of mental health awareness and the incredible impact that open and honest conversations can have on our well-being.
For many people, mental health is taboo, it’s something that’s often whispered about in hushed tones, if it’s even talked about at all. But the reality is, mental health affects all of us. It’s a part of being human, like our physical health. Just like we go to the doctor when we’re feeling sick, we need to be open and honest about our mental struggles too.
How to get involved in R U OK? Day
The purpose of R U OK? Day is to encourage people to start conversations about mental health. By asking about how a loved one is, we’re opening the door to an open conversation, showing that we care, that we’re there to support them and that they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.
Some signs to look out for that may signify a person struggling with their mental health include:
- withdrawing from friends, family and regular activities
- being noticeably more tired
- reduced ability to concentrate is shown by more fidgeting or movement
- reduced patience or short temper leading to anger or hostility
- signs of self-harm; hiding arms or legs using long sleeves or pants during hot weather
- after showing these symptoms, suddenly giving away money or possessions
If you’re struggling with how to ask, some suggestions include:
- ask direct questions like, “How are you going?” or “What’s been happening in your life?”
- mention specific concerning behaviours they’ve shown recently “You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?”
- try to be empathetic to the fear that comes with revealing your struggles, like, “I know this might be scary but I would like it if you told me about what’s been going on in your life…”
- suggest outside resources to use including counselling at La Trobe, or outside therapy
Suicide is the second leading cause of death in people between ages 15-25. Sadly, men account for 75% of Australia’s suicides, this can be attributed to the stigma surrounding mental health and seeking medical or personal help. Similarly, LGBTQ+ and disabled people are four times more likely to die of suicide than the average person. This can be helped by breaking down barriers and distinguishing the stigma behind men reaching out for help when struggling with depression.
Support and resources
At La Trobe, we have several resources and support networks available year-round for those struggling with mental health. University can be stressful and can exacerbate existing mental health problems, as well as, isolate young people from their support systems due to moving to new places and separating from family.
Support at La Trobe
La Trobe’s Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion team provide individual counselling, learning action plans to accommodate mental health struggles, wellbeing mentors, and specified health and wellbeing services. These can be accessed here via the Health and Wellbeing Website.
R U OK? Day Resources
There are also other resources on the R U OK? website.
Things may go wrong when asking about sensitive feelings; some people may not be able to articulate how they are feeling. Or someone asking, may not be able to take on the true feelings of their friend or family member and get overwhelmed. They might even ask in an insensitive manner and invoke the opposite of what they wanted in their loved ones. This is why there are educational resources for people to research how to help their friends and access to counselling for those who need extra support.
Through initiatives like R U OK? Day, we can build a more compassionate and connected community. By promoting open dialogue around mental health, we can break down barriers and ensure that everyone has access to the support they need. By raising awareness and reducing stigma around mental health, we can also encourage people to prioritise self-care and seek help early on, before issues become harder to manage alone.
Upcoming Events
What’s going on this R U OK? Day:
- La Trobe Sports Walk & Run event on Thursday 5 September
- R U OK? Day on the Thursday 12 September. This is an opportunity to check out the R U OK? Day website for local events.
- Visit the Health, Wellbeing and Inclusion team, at an R U OK? Day themed stall at Feel Good Fest on Thursday 26 September. There will be a few small activities based on self-care and mental health education with a focus on disabled and LGBTQ+ people.
So, this R U OK? Day let’s come together to support one another and raise awareness about mental health. By embracing this day and its message, we can nurture positive change, unite communities, and create a brighter and more empathetic school life.