R U OK Day – No Qualifications Needed
Simple ways anyone can support R U OK? Day and check in with a mate’s wellbeing.
Ask the question ‘R U OK’ – no qualifications needed
Research by the R U OK institution found that 4/10 people think a conversation about someone else’s wellbeing is best left up to a professional. People feel they’re unqualified and might even make things worse, but really you are doing an important thing that could make all the difference. Here are a few tips to strike up the conversation.
Choose the right time and place
Asking someone if they are ok in front of a group of mates or colleagues will earn you the “all good” response. We can’t expect someone to open up about their inner world and be vulnerable if we don’t set the tone. Ask when things are quiet, and you have privacy.
Txt instead
The spirit of asking someone if they are ok is connecting and having an open, honest conversation with another human. Sometimes we or the person we want to ask might not feel confident in face-to-face scenarios, so try sending a txt instead.
Let them know you care
15% of people who are asked if they are ok reported they felt it was not a genuine conversation. It’s crucial when we ask this question, we are genuine and are prepared to make time for the conversation. Delivery is really important here, simply asking are you ok doesn’t always indicate our intentions. Instead try prefacing your question with the ‘why’ you are asking, “Hey Aaron, I’ve noticed you’ve not been as talkative lately, I care about you mate and I wanted to ask if everything is ok?”.
Respect their answer
If they say they are fine don’t press them to keep talking, simply let them know that’s ok and that you are available to chat later if they need to. This is another great time to let them know that you care about them and are worried.
What if they say “No I’m not ok”
If someone tells you, they are not ok it’s crucial we be supportive and make the time to stop and listen.
Encourage people to get help
It’s a sobering fact that 50% of people who need help will not seek it. Encouraging those who are going through tough times can have a meaningful impact on their recovery. Ask them if they would like you to book an appointment with their GP or point them in the direction of Lifeline or Beyondblue if it’s a more pressing issue.
Ask questions
In our culture we tend to avoid deep emotional conversations with “Don’t worry about it”, “It’ll be ok, don’t stress”. But sometimes we need to have those conversations. If someone is vulnerable with us and sharing it’s important, we validate them and their experiences, not brush them off. We can do this by saying things like “Wow that sounds really tough, can I help in any way” or “That sounds really hard, I’m here if you want to talk more about it”.
If’ you’re worried about them hurting themselves ask them, it’s an uncomfortable question but it could save someone’s life.
Follow up
The problem that person is facing doesn’t disappear after you speak so it’s a good idea to follow up with them in a week or two. The impact is twofold, one you show that person you care about them and two it gives you the opportunity to offer more help and support. Set a reminder and follow up
Ultimately asking the question is the most important thing. So in the spirit of RUOK day, are you ok?
Need help now? Call:
- Lifeline: 13 11 14
- Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
- Mates In Construction: 1300 642 111
Find out more about how we are improving mental health in construction!
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Foremind offers multilingual support, with professionals available in languages including Spanish, Portuguese, mandarin, vietnamese and Persian
All counsellors must apply to the role and are interviewed before added to the platform, must meet the criteria as per the below.- We employee counsellors, mental health social workers, mental health nurses and psychotherapists.- Qualifications in Counselling, Psychotherapy or Social Work, minimum Bachelor or Masters qualification- Minimum 3 years direct practice experience post graduation- Registration with appropriate body – PACFA Clinical registration, ACA level 2 minimum, Accredited Mental health Social worker or Clinical Social worker- Broad experience providing individual coaching, counselling and support for personal and work-related issues- How far reaching is your EAP? We have counsellors located in every major city in Australia.
What is the difference between counsellors and psychologists? 1. Qualifications & Training - Counsellor: Typically holds a Diploma or Master’s degree in counselling, or psychotherapy. Their training is focused on practical techniques for supporting mental health and well-being.- Psychologist: Requires a Master’s or Doctorate degree in psychology and must be registered with a AHPRA Their training includes clinical assessments, diagnosis, and therapy.2. Scope of Practice- Counsellor: Provides talk therapy and guidance for life challenges like stress, anxiety, work issues, and relationships. They help clients develop coping strategies but do not diagnose mental disorders.- Psychologist: Can provide therapy like a counsellor but also conducts clinical assessments, diagnoses mental health disorders, and uses evidence-based treatments like CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).3. Who Should You See?- If someone needs support for personal or work-related challenges, a counsellor is often enough.- If someone is experiencing mental health concerns, like depression, PTSD, or needs a formal diagnosis, a psychologist is more appropriate.
- Counsellors only offer f2f after the initial consult.- At Foremind, all face-to-face sessions must begin with an initial online session.- The initial online session gives your counsellor the opportunity to explain exactly how their face-to-face sessions work, what options are available, and to ensure everything is properly scheduled. This helps avoid confusion and makes sure you get the best experience possible.- For sales team info; @Dylan This is because our system currently doesn't allow therapists to list separate locations and availability for face-to-face sessions, and many of our counsellors offer in-person appointments only at specific times or locations.- For example, Skai near Byron Bay provides face-to-face sessions, but only on Thursdays and with enough advance notice to arrange space and travel.- F2F sessions also need a bigger time-buffer between so they cannot be booked back-to-back.- Availability for space -- First session is counted + information to book in counselling to allow make- F2f take 3 sessions to break through pleasing tendencies - therapeutic alliance - online