R U OK? Day: The Conversations That Can Change Lives
It’s not always easy to ask someone if they’re OK— often people hold back from fear of saying the wrong thing or being seen as intrusive. By having the courage to ask, you can show your loved one that you care and create a safe space for them to open up. It’s a small step that can make a big difference in someone’s life.
If you’re unsure how to ask, think about how you can check-in with your friend or family member in way that feels safe and natural to you.
By having honest, meaningful conversations, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to.
At Down Syndrome NSW, we are committed to fostering a supportive community, and today, we’re reaching out to ask our members, "Are you OK?"
We understand the unique challenges faced by our community. Research from the Australian Journal of General Practice (2019) identified that approximately 27% of carers of a person with a disability report high psychological distress and 47% reported a change in their health and wellbeing due to their caring role.
Due to the complexity and demands of caring for a person with a disability, we provide targeted resources, workshops, and support designed to improve carers' mental wellbeing and equip them with tools to manage stress and emotional challenges. By improving the mental health of carers, we help them better care for their own wellbeing and, in turn, support the overall mental health of their families and communities.
Even those who are dedicated to caring for others need support and care themselves. How can we better support carers to ensure they have the resources and tools they need to thrive?
Take a moment for a mental health check-in
Using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K10), you can start checking-in on your own mental health in under 10-minutes. The K10 is a self-reported measure of psychological distress that asks 10 questions about how you have been feeling over the past four weeks and it’s a simple yet effective way to check in and identify if you might benefit from further support.
Services and Supports Available
It’s important to know where to direct someone for further support once you've asked them if they're okay. To help you navigate these conversations, we’ve compiled a list of trusted services and resources, including those specifically for people with disabilities and their carers, to offer additional support when needed:
- RU OK?: Learn more about how you can start a conversation that could change a life. Watch this video for tips on how to ask "Are you OK?" and support someone in need.
- Beyond Blue: Beyond Blue offers support via their helpline at 1300 224 636. Watch this video to learn more about their services.
- Carer Gateway: Providing counselling and support specifically for carers. Reach them at 1800 422 737.
- Disability Gateway: Offering support and information for people with disabilities and their carers. Contact them at 1800 643 787.
- Intellectual Disability Mental Health Connect: This service provides tailored mental health support for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Watch this video to learn more.
- Head to Health: A comprehensive resource for mental health and wellbeing support.
In Crisis? Reach Out Now
If you are feeling distressed and need immediate support, please contact Lifeline at 13 11 14. They are available 24/7 to offer assistance during times of crisis.
