Today, is RUOK? Day – a national action day that reminds all Australians that every day is the day to ask ‘are you OK?’
We asked our team what RU OK? Day means to them, how they stay mentally well, how they check in with mates and how to get help when things get hard.
Here’s what they have to say.
Good mental health is a state of mental well-being that allows people to cope with life’s challenges, realise their abilities and lead a full and satisfying personal and professional life.
Unfortunately, life isn’t always easy, and events and circumstances can negatively impact our mental health. According to statistics, 43.7% of people aged 16-85 in Australia experienced a mental health disorder at some time in their life. This is equivalent to 8.6 million people.
Mental disorders include conditions like anxiety or depression. Alarmingly, but perhaps not surprisingly given the COVID pandemic, recent statistics reveal that in the past year alone one in five Australians have experienced a mental disorder.
We take mental health seriously because we believe all our team should always be physically and emotionally safe.
Recently, we’ve asked our team what additional support and services Southern Rural Water can provide to help them stay mentally well. The response and feedback have been incredible. Our leadership team will now start having deeper conversations with our teams to ensure we listen hard and deliver the things that make everyone feel connected, safe and supported.
RUOK? Day gives us a chance to reflect on the importance of mental health and the value of asking family, friends and colleagues if they’re okay, every day – because having a conversation with someone can change a life.
You don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend or a good listener. If you notice someone you know or care about isn’t behaving the way they normally would, trust your gut and act on it. There are four simple steps you can follow – ask are you OK, listen, encourage action, and check in.
There are lots of great online resources available at RUOK.org.au you can use to get information and strategies on how to help people you love or work with.