Our Oceania and South East Asia region has designated September as a month to remind people to ask family, friends and colleagues R U OK?

It’s R U OK? Day in Australia on 9 September and is a good reminder to look out for each other, while also taking care of ourselves.

Is someone you know or care about not behaving as they normally would? Do they seem more agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves? Trust your gut instinct and act on it. By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help a workmate, a family member or friend open up.

Good mental health is so important and we can all take part in this campaign by simply asking R U OK?

Kogilan Moodley, Regional Vice President People - Oceania & Sout East Asia, said: “It is likely that the pandemic and associated lockdowns are pushing people’s mental wellbeing to the edge. My desire is that we use the month of September across our region to remind us to make a special attempt to look out for each other, our families and our social networks.”

R U OK? is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.  Let’s hope this inspires and empowers everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and start a conversation with those in their world who may be struggling. You don’t need to be an expert to reach out – just a good friend and great listener.

You can find more resources on the R U OK? website and on the Menzies Wellbeing Hub.