I NEED HELP NOWWHAT IS R U OK?DAY
What to do if a conversation turns critical - Click Here:
The R U OK? website does not provide crisis intervention or counselling.
The information accessible here is NOT a substitute for professional care. If you are in need of urgent support or are worried about someone, please contact your local GP (doctor) or the agencies listed in the I NEED HELP section of this site.


HOW TO HAVE A POSITIVE CONVERSATION


Five Top Tips

Lifeline has developed these Five Top Tips to assist you to connect with other people:

1. Be receptive
  • Take the lead, show initiative and ask: “Are you OK?”
  • Put the invitation out there: “I’ve got time to talk”
  • Maintain eye contact and sit in a relaxed position – positive body language will help you both feel more comfortable
  • Often just spending time with the person lets them know you care and can help you understand what they’re going through

2. Use ice breakers to initiate a conversation
  • Use open-ended questions such as “So tell me about...?”, which require more than a “yes” or “no” answer
  • You may also like to use the following questions to start a conversation:
    • “You know, I've noticed that you've seemed really down/worried/stressed for a long time now. Is there anyone you've been able to talk to about it?”
    • “Lots of people go through this sort of thing. Getting help will make it easier”
    • “I hate to see you struggling on your own. There are people that can help. Have you thought of visiting your doctor?”

3. Practice your listening skills
  • Listen to what a person is saying, be open minded and non-judgemental – sometimes, when someone wants to talk, they’re not always seeking advice, but they just need to talk about their concerns
  • Be patient – let the person take their time
  • Avoid telling someone what to do: it is important to listen and try to help the other person work out what is best for them

4. Be encouraging
  • Encourage physical health. Maintaining regular exercise, a nutritious diet and getting regular sleep helps to cope in tough times
  • Encourage the person to seek professional help from their family doctor, a support service or counsellor, or a mental health worker
  • Encourage self-care. Sometimes people need to be encouraged to do more to look after their own needs during a difficult time

5. Be helpful
  • What not to do when trying to help someone. It is unhelpful to:
    • Pressure them to “snap out of it”, “get their act together” or “cheer up”
    • Stay away or avoid them
    • Tell them they just need to stay busy or get out more
    • Suggest alcohol or drugs
    • Assume the problem will just go away

For more information:
© Lifeline Australia

WHAT TO DO IF A CONVERSATION TURNS CRITICAL:

1) If the conversation you are having escalates to a point where someone says they are thinking about suicide, unless your trained, people should seek the assistance of a trained professional, that could be a local doctor, or counselling service, or if the need is immediate, Lifeline on 13 11 14

2) If the situation is life threatening in any way, then they must call 000 straight away