Dear colleagues,

In the time before COVID I happened upon a very well-dressed woman, sitting on an upturned milk crate, sobbing in a byway at one of our hospitals. With this scene before me I didn’t need to ask, “R U OK?” but I was grateful for the ability and training to engage and support her.

Her husband was in theatre, following an emergency admission, and she was imagining the worst possible outcomes and ramifications. I followed up with her and her husband in recovery for a few weeks until he was discharged. They were very grateful for my support and I hope I helped them on their path back to health.

While this woman was clearly distressed, it is not always so simple to know who around us could do with some support.

I would like to remind staff that next Thursday 9 September is R U OK? Day. This day is dedicated to inspiring and empowering everyone to meaningfully connect with people around them by asking the simple yet important question ‘R U OK?’. This year the message is are they really ok? Ask them today.

Do you know how the people in your world are really going? Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small.  Do not wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going.

Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life. If you would like some extra skills in asking R U OK? please visit the support network website. It’s a great tool.

I would also encourage you to join the R U OK? Ambassador online event on Tuesday 7 September from 10 am to 11 am. R U OK? ambassador Jo Hassan will share the message that “a conversation can change a life” and her own story about why mental health is such an important issue in the community. Join the R U OK? event on Tuesday.

You are also welcome to wear yellow on R U OK? Day, Thursday 9 September, and remember every day in Metro North Health can be an “R U OK” Day with your help.

Kind regards,

Mark