Do you have a sneaking feeling that someone you know or care about is acting differently than usual? Maybe they come off as more irritated or more reclusive? Or they may simply not be themselves. Well, trust your instincts and follow them.

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We all try our best to separate our professional and personal life. But the truth is the challenges and difficult circumstances we have all faced (and continue to face) amplify the importance of staying connected and being as supportive as we can to the people in our lives. 

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The ethos behind “R U OK?” is to encourage and enable everyone to establish genuine connections with those around them and to approach individuals who they think may be experiencing difficulties in life. It can even start from something as simple as encouraging them to open up by striking up a conversation and mentioning the changes you've seen. 

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So, if you are wondering how to start that conversation - then here are four simple steps that could help you have a conversation that could change a life:

1. Ask R U OK?: Ask them how their day has been, how they are feeling or what their thoughts are. 
2. Listen: When they share their feelings and thoughts, listen carefully and give them your full attention. Encourage them to share and let them know that you are asking because you are concerned.
3. Encourage Action: Ask them where they would like to go from here, let them know that you are ready to help and encourage them to get professional help.
4. Check-in: Remember to check in with them in a few days, and find out if they are improving or still struggling. 

We know however that asking someone directly isn’t always easy - so here are some different ways that you can start the conversation:

1. How are you doing? 
2. What’s going on for you at the moment? 
3. Hey! How have you been lately? What’s been happening? 
4. What are you thinking about? 
5. You don’t seem like yourself lately? Anything going on 
6. Is there anything I can do to help? 

So for more advice on how to be a good friend and a good listener, come join us online on the 4th and 14th of September (FB, IG, & TIC TOK) from 3-4 pm. Or for further guidance, you can speak with a counsellor at TBC SCWU.

So why not give it a try and ask someone “R U OK?”