Words of Wisdom 6

Wednesday's are now my Words of Wisdom posts. They will be brief (as opposed to my normal long ramblings) and hopefully interesting. In essence I will share with you something I've discovered, read or learnt during the week.

This week I wanted to share R U okay day with you - source Body & Soul magazine and the site R U Okay?

Thursday 15 September, 2011 is R U OK? Day.

It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones. On that day we want everyone across the country, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to ask family, friends and colleagues: "Are you OK?".

Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.

It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life. Here are some tips from Body & Soul magazine which may help:

•  Start a general friendly conversation somewhere quiet and private.
•  Build trust through good eye contact and open and relaxed body language.
•  Ask open–ended questions to discuss concerns based on their behaviour.
•  Listen without judgment.
•  Suggest and help them to get help if you think they’re in need. News Limited, the publisher of body+soul, is a media partner of the R U OK? campaign.

We shouldn't be so busy in our lives that we need a special day to remind us to ask our friends and family the question 'R u okay?', sadly many of us are. I'll be taking the time to ask the question, will you?

Cheers, Fi