RU OK?
Are you struggling? If you are, it's important to know that you’re not alone. And a simple conversation can be just what is needed to help.
Every day nearly nine Australians take their life, and it’s estimated that for every death around 30 people will attempt suicide. Our research found that 1 in 6 dental practitioners had reported thoughts of suicide in the previous 12 months, and 5.6% reported having previously made a suicide attempt. Last Saturday 10 September was World Suicide Prevention Day, an important opportunity to talk about this health issue.
We also know that psychological distress and mental health issues are extremely prevalent in the dental profession. Burnout is becoming increasingly common. However there is still a stigma associated with mental illness, and this prevents many people from seeking care. That’s why it’s so important that we take the time to check-in on our friends and colleagues and ask - RU OK?
Image: UNSW
Understandably people may be reluctant to ask directly ‘Are you ok?’ Not because they don’t care, but because they are not confident on how to respond if the answer is NO. Here are a few quick tips to help you:
Get Ready
Get in the right to ask the question, and make sure you are not rushed or distracted - you need time to have the conversation.
Be prepared if the answer is ‘I’m not okay.’ Make sure you are in the right headspace for this response.
Ask
Are you ok?
How are you going?
I just wanted to check in and see how you are going?
Listen
It’s important to listen with compassion and empathy, and without judgement.
You don’t have to solve their problem, just focus on helping to understand.
Don’t interrupt, and don’t be afraid to wait in silence – it’s not easy to answer the question and open up about struggles.
Show empathy and let them know that you have heard them.
Encourage Action
Ask if there is anything that you can do to support them.
Ask if they have been seeking professional help. If not, encourage them to see a doctor or other mental health professional, particularly if they have been experiencing significant struggles for more than two weeks.
There are a range of services they could also use:
Lifeline 13 11 14
Beyond Blue 1300 22 4636
Follow-up
Make sure you set a reminder to follow up and see how they are going.
Ask if they have sought professional help, and encourage them again if they haven’t.
Conversations about mental health can be uncomfortable for everyone. It’s not easy. But it can be life changing.
It’s important that we have these conversations today. And tomorrow. And every day. We need to normalise talking about mental health. You never know who you might help. And if you’re struggling, it’s also important to speak up and ask for help. It’s not a weakness, it’s a strength.
Speaking up is important to save lives.