Each year R U OK? Day reminds us to stay connected, have meaningful conversations and encourage more people to ask R U OK? at work, school and in the community. The website includes suggestions for simple steps that could save a life:
- Ask
- Listen
- Encourage action
- Check in
There are conversations tips, videos of how to ask and resources including how to find professional help if needed if the conversation becomes too big for family and friends.
Lifeline provides a directory of free or low cost health and community services available in Australia for areas such as domestic violence, family and children’s services, financial assistance and mental health services at lifeline.serviceseeker.com.au
The BeyondNow suicide safety plan app helps create a safety plan in crisis and distress for those in need, ideally with support us, as health professionals, or someone they trust, to work through when they are experiencing suicidal thoughts, feelings, distress or crisis. The app is available to download and to read further about the app, see beyondblue.org.au
moodGYM is an online self-help program that has been available since 2001, using cognitive behaviour training to develop skills to manage depression and anxiety symptoms. The program allows real-time self monitoring of problem moods, thoughts and behaviours via mobile phone or computer. Those using the programme monitor three symptoms of their choice or three recommended to them by myCompass through answering the profiling questionnaire ( eg stress, depression, confidence, worry, irritability, motivation, diet and medication use) See moodgym.com.au
myCompass is a self-help tool for mental health, providing proven techniques to help manage stress, anxiety and depression.
Here are some of the agencies that offer good support to those in need:
- Lifeline, 1311 14 for 24/7 crisis support, the Suicide Call Back at 1300 659 467
- kidshelpline at 1800 55 1800 for counselling to young people under 25 years
- Griefline on 1300 845 745
Authored by Dr Lisa Surman