How to have a real “R U OK?” conversation.

R U OK? Day acts as a reminder for us to have the important conversations with our loved ones about their wellbeing.

Hey, are you okay?

When we ask this question and demonstrate that we want a genuine response, we may hear that someone is struggling at the moment. And if we do, we might be left feeling unsure about how to respond.

What do I do if they say they’re not okay?

We sat down with Jessica Robinson, who is a counsellor with the University of Adelaide’s Counselling Support team, to answer this question exactly.

*Content Warning*: Please note there will be brief mentions of self-harm in this interview.

If this interview has raised anything for you, then please contact the following services:

UofA Counselling Support:

North Terrace / Waite:  +61 8313 5633 

Roseworthy:  +61 8313 7932

Wirltu Yarlu: +61 8 8313 3623 / +61 8 8313 5663

University Crisis Line (After-hours support):

Call: 1300 167 654 

Text: +61488884197

UofA’s Mental Health Triage (emergency):

Call: 131 465

Lifeline:

13 11 14

If you are interested in receiving Mental Health First Aid Training, then check out the Wellbeing Hub's page for more information. The next training dates are Monday 18th & Tuesday 19th of September 2023.