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R U OK? Day |
A conversation could change a life
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How are you doing? How have you been feeling lately? Is there anything I can do to help?
These questions are simple on the surface, but so very powerful. Powerful in their potential to open meaningful conversations. Conversations about our challenges, struggles and wellbeing that might not (and regularly don’t) otherwise come up in casual conversation.
They’re conversations we need to start having, and they’re conversations that we want you, to feel equipped to start.
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Asking R U OK?
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If there's someone you know and care about that isn't quite behaving normally, what can you do? Before having a conversation, check in with yourself and ask: |
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Once you have had a chance to self-evaluate, R U OK suggests the following tips on how to have the conversation: |
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1. Ask R U OK?
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- Be relaxed, friendly and concerned in your approach.
- Help them open up by asking questions like "How are you going?" or "What's been happening?
- Mention specific things that have made you concerned for them, like “You seem less chatty than usual. How are you going?”
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2. Listen
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- Take what they say seriously and don’t interrupt or rush the conversation.
- Don’t judge their experiences or reactions but acknowledge that things seem tough for them.
- If they need time to think, sit patiently with the silence.
- Encourage them to explore: “How are you feeling about that?” or “How long have you felt that way?”
- Show that you’ve listened by repeating back what you’ve hear (in your own words) and ask if you have understood them properly.
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3. Encourage Action
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- Ask: “What have you done in the past to manage similar situations?”
- Ask: “How would you like me to support you?”
- Ask: “What’s something you can do for yourself right now? Something that’s enjoyable or relaxing?”
- You could say: “When I was going through a difficult time, I tried this... You might find it useful too.”
- If they’ve been feeling really down for more than two weeks, encourage them to see a health professional. You could say, “It might be useful to link in with someone who can support you. I’m happy to assist you to find the right person to talk to.”
- Be positive about the role of professionals in getting through tough times.
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4. Check In
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- Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a couple of weeks. If they’re really struggling, follow up with them sooner.
- You could say: “I’ve been thinking of you and wanted to know how you’ve been going since we last chatted.”
- Ask if they’ve found a better way to manage the situation. If they haven’t done anything, don’t judge them. They might just need someone to listen to them for a moment.
- Stay in touch and be there for them. Genuine care and concern can make a real difference.
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Ask R U OK?
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...It's the Guiding way |
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Every year, R U OK? Day presents us an opportunity to learn the tools we need to have meaningful conversations and feel sufficiently equipped to manage them. There’s no doubt we need to be asking R U OK? all year round and as Girl Guides, we’re always living by the Guide Law and being respectful of ourselves and others. |
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Today and in the coming days, I encourage you to reflect on the Guide Law and how you could apply it to caring for others and their wellbeing – especially on this important day. |
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Yours in Guiding
Julia Becker (she/her)
Inclusion Lead
Girl Guides NSW, ACT & NT |