Are You OK Day?

R U OK? Day was held on Thursday 14 September, which is our National Day of Action dedicated to reminding everyone that any day is the right day to ask, ‘Are you OK?’ to support those struggling with life.

Pharmacy intern Sehaj Johal, someone who has been a supporter of R U OK Day all through her schooling years and has loved wearing the yellow T-Shirt, convinced Pharmacy owner Kevin Tay to hold the R U OK? Day at the pharmacy. On the day, patients and customers were invited to place ‘stick-it’ notes on a wall with their responses to two main themes: ideas on What brings you joy, and What do you do to improve your mental health.

Sehaj and Kevin were very pleased with the response to the event, extending the one-day event to continue for the week.

A very delighted Sehaj tells us how the day unfolded, “Now that I’ve been working at the pharmacy for a while, I’ve got to know our patients and customers quite well, so when I approached them to inform them about R U OK? Day I was delighted with their response as they were comfortable talking to me

“They responded well when asked to write the different messages on the wall, and then when asked, ‘Are you really OK?’ for some it allowed them to take that mask off and have a real chat.

“I think the power of starting a conversation about wellbeing, and having it early and frequently is so important.

“For some, just listening to their answers, gave them a feeling of being heard as well as a great opportunity to talk, and for those who I thought were struggling I could encourage and refer them to seek further help with the appropriate health professionals.

“Some of the important health steps we also encouraged people to undertake in maintaining good mental health regime is to eat well, sleep well and to exercise, spend time with loved ones and do things they love”

R U OK? was started by Gavin Larkin OAM. Gavin, an advertising executive, had lost his father to suicide and passionately wanted to do something to prevent others experiencing this loss.

Gavin was collaborating with TV Producer Janina Nearn on a documentary to raise awareness, but soon realised the documentary alone wouldn’t be enough.

To genuinely change behaviour Australia-wide, a national campaign was needed. From this realisation, and with Gavin and Janina’s expertise and passion, R U OK? was born and launched in 2009.

R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that uses health promotion to encourage people to have conversations that help others through difficult times in their lives.

It relates to suicide prevention through fostering social connection and building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues - to be alert to those around them and be able to identify signs of distress or difficulty.

This creates a stronger first point of contact to address and de-escalate distress. It also demonstrates that others are there to help, therefore countering notions of isolation and aloneness that can foster suicidal thoughts.

‘In the time it takes to have a cuppa, you could change a life.’is a quote from the late Gavin Larkin, founder of R U OK? Day.