A conversation can change a life
Fernwood Fitness is honoured to again be an official partner of Jean Hailes’ Women’s Health Week in 2022. Running from Monday 5 – Sunday 11 of September 2022, Women’s Health Week is the biggest week in Australia focusing on women’s health and wellbeing.
Day 4 of Women’s Health Week, focusing on mental wellbeing and brain health, coincides with national R U OK? Day – there could not be a better day of the year to focus on this Women’s Health Week topic to raise awareness and open meaningful dialogues. For some, asking for help with mental health struggles can come with feelings of shame, or some may not identify that they are in crisis. By asking ‘are you OK?’ and having regular meaningful conversations, we can help others to feel supported and encourage them to access help before they are in crisis.
What is R U OK? Day?
Following Gavin Larkin’s father’s death by suicide, he and his grieving family were left with many unanswered questions – most importantly, how to honour his father and protect other families from the pain of losing a loved one to suicide.
While working on a documentary to raise awareness, Larkin quickly realised that the film alone would not be enough to create the change that was needed, which is where the R U OK? foundation and movement was born.
How to start the conversation
Before approaching anyone you think may need to talk or could potentially be in crisis, first check in with yourself to ensure you are feeling okay and have time for a chat. Ideally you would have the conversation in person, but in this digital age you might organise a Zoom or FaceTime call.
- Approach the person in an environment where they will feel safe and comfortable.
- Now you can ask the question, “are you OK?”, or “I’ve noticed you’ve seemed down lately, is everything OK?”
Once you’ve started talking…
- Listen and communicate non-judgmentally.
- Give information and support.
- Encourage professional help.
- Encourage other supports such as family, friends and others that have experienced mental health problems.
Keep in mind that it’s not your job to solve their problems – just listen and encourage support where appropriate.
Bring R U OK? Day into your every day
R U OK? Day is more than just a day. Yes, it raises awareness of how important mental health is, but we need to keep these conversations going throughout the year. It takes courage to speak up to someone, but that one conversation could save a life.
Fernwood supports not only the health and fitness of our members, but their holistic health and wellbeing too. The Mental Health First Aid training program teaches people the skills to help someone they’re concerned about and is available to all staff across the network. With over 400 Mental Health First Aid trained team members since the implementation of the external program, each club has dedicated people taught to recognise the behaviour that might indicate someone is struggling with their mental health, and both members and staff can turn to them at any time if they need to talk.
So, today and every day, keep the question ‘are you OK?’ in the back of your mind, and don’t be afraid to speak up if you think someone may be in need of support.
If you, or someone you know, needs crisis support, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14. For urgent medical attention, phone 000 immediately.