Today, 9 September, is R U OK? Day and with the current public health situation, many Canberrans could use the check-up now more than ever.
The harm prevention charity endeavours to open up conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. And their annual awareness day is typically when social norms take a backseat to being alert towards the wellbeing of family, friends and colleagues, building informal support networks, and reaching out to others long before they’re in crisis – asking ‘Are You Okay?’ to those you normally wouldn’t.
But in lockdown, governments actively discourage us from making conversation when bumping into an acquaintance on the street or passing by a stranger.
Many resources that would be physically available in previous years have shifted online, like University of Canberra’s connect-to-chat virtual session in lieu of the bright yellow freebies normally handed out around campus.
For those who make use of counselling, mental health services are now entirely online or over the phone. The Way Back Support Service, a beyondblue initiative funded by ACT Health, has seen an “unusually high” increase in referrals within the past three weeks (ACT lockdown started on 12 August), twice the amount received in August 2020.
Mental health awareness and resources are arguably more important now than ever. Even though it can often feel like online substitutes are a poor stand-in for true human interaction, it’s important to remember that the current public health situation won’t last forever, and we just need to push through until then.
To help your friends and family meet you on the other side of lockdown, call them up or shoot them a message today, even the ones you think are doing fine.
It can be as simple as three short words.
To access resources provided by R U OK?, including support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, LGBTI+ community, and essential workers in hospitality, visit: https://www.ruok.org.au/every-day-resources
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