Ashne Amoils – Wellbeing Madricha

Every year, approximately one in five Australians face a mental illness, along with the heavy stigma of discrimination and condescension that generally comes with it. Unfortunately, as a result, approximately 65,000 Australians attempt suicide each year, with eight succeeding every single day. A not-for-profit organisation, R U OK, is dedicated to preventing this by empowering people to meaningfully connect with those around them by asking “Are you ok?” and providing a support outlet for anyone struggling with life.

Next Thursday, 14 September, marks R U OK Day, a national day to remind us that we’ve all got what it takes to ask, “Are you ok?” and support those who are struggling in our community.

For many, starting the “Are you ok?” conversation can be difficult. You may think “I don’t know what to say,” or “I wouldn’t want to make it worse,” or “I’m worried they might get angry,” or “It’s none of my business.”. R U OK Day aims to ensure that if someone says “No, I’m not ok,” people know how to respond in order to ensure the wellbeing of that person. You don’t have to be an expert to start a conversation; by simply asking, you’re showing that you care and that can make a really positive difference in someone’s life.

To start a conversation all you need is four simple steps:

1. Ask ”Are you ok?”
2. Listen without judgement
3. Encourage action
4. Check in.

High School students will find out more about this on R U OK Day next Thursday, when a special tutor program will be run in Period 0 to teach them how to detect signs of not being ok, how to appropriately approach someone and ask “Are you ok” and how to get in touch with the various support networks available to reach out to for help.

Additionally, fruit with positive action directives will be handed out at lunch. Please take a piece of fruit and do the action that’s on the sticker to contribute both to your own wellbeing and someone else’s.

A school-wide variation of the game “What’s in your Pockie?” will be played all week. You start by writing someone a compliment, either anonymously or not, and trying to put it in their pocket or locker without them noticing. If you notice a compliment in your pocket, you are then challenged to write your own compliment to someone else and try to put it in their pocket – and so this becomes a continuous chain of compliments throughout the week.

Although it is not a mufti day, you are encouraged to wear a small yellow accessory (for High School, unfortunately not Primary) in honour of this day, but keep in mind it is also photo day so it must be removable.

Every day is the day to start a conversation. Small actions such as starting conversations and giving people compliments can have a massive impact on people’s wellbeing. I hope you all get involved with R U OK Day and remember that every day you can make a huge difference in the lives of those around you.

To find out more, you can visit the R U OK Website: ruok.org.au

Thank you

Ashne Amoils