Today is “R U OK? Day “ and if there's one thing I’ve learned through my own mental health journey, it's that sometimes, asking a simple question like "Are you OK?" can make a world of difference.
For me, every day is a bit of a fight. Some days, it's easier to cope, while other days, it feels like the weight of the world is pressing down. I’ve had the support of some incredible mental health professionals and psychologists along the way, and they’ve helped me find my footing. But I still face my mental health diagnosis every day. It’s not always easy to talk about, but I’ve learned that being open, even in small moments, can really lift some of the burden.
I know how hard it can be to open up when you're struggling. Sometimes, you feel like no one will understand or that you don’t want to burden others with your problems. But trust me, sharing can be incredibly freeing. Even just a casual chat with someone who really listens can pull you out of a dark place.
On R U OK? Day, I want to encourage everyone to check in on the people around you. Ask that simple question, “Are you OK?” even if you’re not sure how they’ll respond. You don’t have to be an expert or have all the answers. Sometimes, just being there and really listening is enough. I know how much it has meant to me when someone has genuinely asked me that question.
It’s also important to remember that help is out there. I’ve leant on professional support more times than I can count, and it's one of the best things I've done for myself. It doesn’t mean you're weak; it means you’re strong enough to admit when you need a hand.
If You Need Help…….
If today’s a tough day for you, or if someone you know is struggling, please know that you’re not alone. There are some amazing resources available if you need someone to talk to:
For my Australian friends and family, here are some helpful links below. If you're in another country, I encourage you to find your local support contacts.
**Lifeline Australia**: 13 11 14
[www.lifeline.org.au](https://www.lifeline.org.au)
**Beyond Blue**: 1300 22 4636
[www.beyondblue.org.au](https://www.beyondblue.org.au)
**Kids Helpline**: 1800 55 1800
[www.kidshelpline.com.au](https://www.kidshelpline.com.au)
**Headspace**: [www.headspace.org.au] (https://www.headspace.org.au)
**SANE Australia**: 1800 187 263
[www.sane.org](https://www.sane.org)
**Suicide Call Back Service**: 1300 659 467
[www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au](https://www.suicidecallbackservice.org.au)
