We can often detect something is ‘just not right’ with our family, friends or work colleagues but not have the confidence to investigate and try to help out. What if just three simple words could make a world of difference for someone else? Would you give it a go?

Thursday September the 12^th is R U OK Day, a national day of action to check in with family and friends. This amazing health initiative began in 2009 and every year since has held this simple but effective health promotion day. The three key works are simply “R U OK?” Think you are up for it?

But I am not trained to deal with this, how do I start a conversation? Well this year the R U OK DAY team has decided that we do need a guiding hand to help connect with people. The good news is that we do not have to be an expert to help someone going through a rough time.  Asking, listening and then following up are three simple steps to get the conversation going that could actually change a life!

Here are some simple steps to start a conversation not just on the 12^th of September but any time of the year.

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen without judgment
3. Encourage action
4. Follow up

For a little more support, take a look at the ideas from the “R OK Day?” website.

People often worry about not knowing the right thing to say when trying to support friends or relatives who might be going through a difficult time.  Sometimes, the words you say are not the most important thing, but rather just letting that person know you are there for them can be a life saver.  Initiatives like the R U OK Day are important to help highlight the problems we face today with mental health issues.

If someone you know is struggling with a mental health issue, encouraging them to seek help from their GP may be a good place to start.  In the past there often was a stigma attached to having a mental health diagnosis with many people thinking you should just be able to “pull yourself together” or “snap out of it”.

Mental health issues can be thought of as an organic illness, just as having an underactive thyroid or diabetes is an organic illness.  You would never expect someone to “snap out” of their thyroid disease or “pull themselves together” to cure their diabetes.  There are very effective ways to manage mental health issues today.  Helping someone take their first step towards getting help may help change a life.

So, R U OK?