It is almost R U OK? Day again.
Hm.
Go on, ask me if I’m okay. Let’s roleplay.
YOU:
Anna, R U OK?
ME:
No, I was diagnosed with depression when I was 14 and exhaust myself every day just trying not to let the anxiety overwhelm me.
YOU:
Oh.
ME:
Now what happens?
YOU:
Call Lifeline?
ME:
…
I appreciate the sentiment of R U OK? Day, I really do. For those people who are looking for a reason to open up and talk about their mental health, it’s great. But what is the next step? How are we resourcing the friends and family who are asking the question? How are we making sure we are getting those people who are not okay in to their doctor’s office for a mental health plan, or to a grief counsellor, or even just participating in a conversation about what to do next?
R U OK? Day needs a follow up day – “What have you done about it since R U OK? Day? Day” (the name could use some work). For one day we put it out there that we care enough to find out whether the people we know are coping with whatever is going on in their lives and then after that we have no further compelling reason to ask again. Until next year, obviously.
So what I’d like to know is this: if you ask the question, and you don’t get the answer you want, what will you do next?
