Today is R U OK Day, but Tony McManus wants you to ask the question every day.
The Lara local lost his brother to suicide in 2005 and spiralled into depression, but worked his way out after two separate visits from two people that gave him the strength and will to get better.
The new message and theme for 2022, ‘Ask R U OK? No qualifications needed’, comes in response to research which found 38% of Australians feel asking someone, ‘are you OK?’ is a conversation better had with an expert, despite more than 80% saying authentic, genuine conversations make a positive difference.
“Don’t just focus on this issue once a year – make every day an R U OK day,” he said.
“No qualifications are needed. You don’t have to be professional to ask the ‘are you OK’ question.”
Mr McManus said there are four steps to asking someone if they are OK – ask the question, listen with an open mind, encourage action and check in afterwards.
“You’re not there to fix people, just point them in the right direction,” he said.
Mr McManus said he got through his problems through a combination of counselling and antidepressants.
He said the strain on the mental health system, especially during the pandemic, meant many people were going without professional help.
He urged anyone who is experiencing mental health problems to talk to a GP who can then offer help through a mental health care plan, which is subsidised partly by Medicare.
If asked if they are OK, some people might say they are when they really aren’t. Mr McManus had some advice for the situation.
“Persevere – ask in a different way,” he said.
“Maybe if they don’t want to talk to you, you may suggest a friend or workmate checks in. There are resources at RUOK.
“It’s better to mildly aggravate somebody by being persistent in your R U OK questioning than writing their eulogy.”
Saturday September 10 is World Suicide Prevention Day. You can go ruok.org.au/ if you or anyone you know is having mental health problems.
