What if they say, no?

It’s R U OK? Day. It’s the day that we’re encouraged to ask friends, family and colleagues if they’re OK. It’s an acknowledgement that a conversation could change a life.

Of course we’re encouraged to ask the question more than just once a year and this year we’re being asked to dig a little deeper to ask if others are ‘really’ OK.

I wonder though, how would you react if someone you asked admitted that they weren’t really OK. What if you asked if they were OK and they said, no? Would you know how to help or at least walk with them towards some kind of help?

Do you know how the people in your world are really going?

Life’s ups and downs happen to all of us. So chances are someone you know might be struggling. Your genuine support can make a difference whatever they are facing, big or small.

So, don’t wait until someone’s visibly distressed or in crisis. Make a moment meaningful and ask them how they’re really going.

Are they really OK? Ask them today. Your conversation could change a life.

Thankfully, the R U OK? website has resources to help you have those conversations.

Asking others if they’re OK should be a year-round conversation. I’m grateful for a particular friend who often digs a little deeper beyond the ‘how’re you going?’ kind of conversation. While I haven’t had cause to share any deep pain with this friend, his questions let me know that if I’m in trouble, I’ll have somewhere to turn.

Do you know how to ask someone if they’re doing OK? Do you know how to check on their mental health and then be the support they need today and throughout the year? Maybe the best thing you can do for those close to you on R U OK? Day is to visit the R U OK? website and learn how to ask and where to go from there.



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Make Your Mark

MakeYourMark.jpgI’ve created a hand print in support of Indigenous suicide prevention, now it’s your turn to leave a mark at Lifeline’s Make Your Mark site.

Suicide is such a devastating way to lose members of our communities. It’s heart breaking to think that some people believe that death by their own hand is a better alternative than continuing to live.

Did you know suicide among Indigenous Australians is up to 40%* higher than in the general Australian population?
It’s also believed this figure is under reported. (*Living is for Everyone, 2008)

By creating your own hand print you will be showing your support for Indigenous healing, emotional wellbeing and suicide prevention.

For every handprint created the NRL (Rugby League) will donate one dollar to Lifeline for this cause. You can also donate directly.

Your participation will help Lifeline connect Indigenous communities with services and resources to support individuals and families into the future.



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Panic Attacks

panic.jpgHave you ever woken up in panic?

Do you avoid social situations for fear of experiencing panic attacks?

Have you ever felt sudden anxiety seemingly without reason?

One of my regular radio guests, Psychologist/Counsellor Genevieve Milnes M.App.Psych, MA (Couns), B.Ed, B.Div, from the Belmont Counselling Clinic, joined me again today during my morning programme on 98.5 Sonshine FM.

Today we started looking at the topic of panic attacks. What are they? How can they be treated?

Genevieve mentioned the website Centre for Clinical Interventions and their information on panic titled Panic Stations.

During the segment we spoke to listeners who had experience of panic attacks. We’ll be continuing our discussion on the topic in a couple of weeks.

To listen to today’s discussion just use the audio player at the bottom of this post.

I’d love to hear about your experiences. Have you suffered from panic attacks or is someone in your family prone to attacks? Just click the comments link at the bottom of this post to share your thoughts.

 



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