UNSW’s RUOK Day 2018 – What we learnt about mental health

On the 12^th of October UNSW hosted a range of events for RUOK day 2018 in order the raise awareness about mental health issues and promote suicide prevention.

So, what did we learn from UNSW’s RUOK day 2018?

1. Help isn’t hard to find.

Everyone is here for each other and all you need to do is stay connected because having meaningful conversations is something we can all do.

2. One conversation can change a life.

Having a conversation isn’t hard if you follow the four steps for checking up on someone.

1. Ask R U OK?
2. Listen without judgement
3. Encourage action
4. Check in

This way you don’t even need to be an expert, but instead just a good friend and a great listener.

3. The mental health stigma is real.

Although it isn’t hard to find help finding the courage to seek help isn’t always easy, so the stigma has to change.

So, how are you going to make a difference?

Don’t forget to stay tuned these next weeks for our interview with UNSW student Stella Ladikos, a mental health advocate for Headspace.

D.B