Looking after yourself and supporting others this Mental Health Month

hello • 5 October 2022

It’s Mental Health Month. Here’s what you can do to look after your mental health and wellbeing, while supporting those who might be struggling.

October is World Mental Health Month and a reminder for everyone to look after our own mental health and wellbeing.


It’s also a good opportunity to look out for those who might be struggling with life and to lend our support, with the theme this year being: Awareness. Belonging. Connection.


1 in 5 Australians are affected by mental illness annually (ABS, National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2022), but the truth is that we all face challenges from time to time. These can include; relationship difficulties, stress, financial challenges, periods of major change at work or home, loss, grief and health issues.


People won’t always tell you if something’s troubling them, so it’s important that we all make asking, ‘are you OK?’ a part of our everyday relationships with friends, family, teammates and colleagues.


Did you know that crisis lines are available to everyone? Watch the video below to see how you can access help services for guidance and tips on supporting others.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton says you don’t have to be an expert to support someone you care about. Showing them that you care by checking in can make a massive difference for them, not just in October, but any day it’s needed.


“This Mental Health Month, pause and consider how you connect with those who are experiencing a mental health condition, or finding things tough, Ms Newtown said.


“Are you worried you’ll say the wrong thing? Are you thinking that it’s not your place to ask how they’re feeling at the moment? Are you hesitant that you might not know how to help them?


“These thoughts are common, however try flipping those thoughts and think about how challenging it may be for them to trust and share.


“If you come from a heartfelt place and put any pre-conceived ideas to one side - you can help someone feel seen, heard and supported.


“We all want to know someone has got our back. This Mental Health Month, let someone know they belong in your team.”


We all want to support those we care, but to do that we have to look after ourselves too. Keep up wellbeing activities and the things that bring you joy. These might include:


  • Getting out in nature
  • Exercising
  • Practising good sleeping and eating habits
  • Taking a break from scrolling on social media
  • Catching up with friends and family


If you aren’t in the right headspace to support someone, that’s OK. Perhaps find someone who is better placed to. If you are ready to lend your support, here’s what you can this Mental Health Month, and every day.

 

  • Ask R U OK? Pick a time and a place that is comfortable for you both. Be relaxed and friendly in your approach. If they don’t want to talk, let them know you are there for them when they are ready, or ask if there is someone else they’ve be more comfortable talking to.
  • Listen with an open mind. Don’t interrupt or try to solve their problems. Encourage them to explain what they are feeling and experiencing.
  • Encourage them to take action. It could be accessing professional support or doing something they enjoy to lighten the load, even better if you can do it together. Asked what they’ve done in the past that has helped or what things bring them joy.
  • Check In - don’t just leave the conversation there. Instead, organise to catch up again. Ask them how they’re feeling and if they’ve found ways to better manage their situation. If they haven’t done anything, be encouraging and remind them you’re always there if they need a chat.

 

You can find more tips at our How to Ask page and access  Mental Health Australia resources for Mental Health Month here.

 

If you or someone you know is doing it tough, Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14 and you can find other services and supports here.

Caring for yourself and others following traumatic events

14 December 2025
The recent incident in Sydney has left many feeling distressed and overwhelmed, and you may notice the children in your life are struggling too. Below, you’ll find advice from mental health experts on caring for your own wellbeing, and providing meaningful support to others in the days and weeks ahead. Talking to children about traumatic events Children are likely to have seen and heard distressing information about this incident. Ongoing news coverage, images and discussion can intensify feelings of anxiety, sadness and anger. The Child Mind Institute has published a practical guide to help parents and carers talk with children about traumatic events. The guide offers practical age-specific advice and has been developed by experts in child psychology, you can access this guide here . Events involving violence or serious harm can be especially difficult for children to understand or discuss. The guide focuses on helping children feel safe, supported and reassured, and encourages parents, carers or guardians to: Provide comfort and reassurance, including physical affection Remain calm and measured when discussing the event Maintain regular routines to restore a sense of normality Encourage play, connection and time with others Share honest, age-appropriate information from trusted sources Limit children’s exposure to news, especially younger children Listen patiently and validate children’s feelings Recognise that fear, anger, sadness or guilt are all normal reactions Looking after yourself, and supporting others Rachel Clements, R U OK? Advisor, and Director of Psychological Services at Centre for Corporate Health, said strong emotional reactions are normal and healthy for people of all ages following public acts of violence, even among those not directly impacted. “Some reactions that are incredibly normal are concern, shock, horror, disbelief. When that wears off sometimes, people experience stronger feelings, sometimes anger, despair, sadness, anxiety or fear-based behaviour."  Ms Clements advised that connecting with friends, sporting clubs, or workplace networks, and simply asking ‘are you OK?’, can play a key role in supporting people experiencing distress. "This event will disrupt the nervous system. One of the most important things we can do is stay connected, talk to each other and lean into supportive conversations,” Ms Clements said. She suggested starting a genuine conversation by asking questions such as: 'it's been tough watching this information coming to light, how are you feeling about it?’ “Then, all you’ve got to do is listen with empathy, without judgment or interruption, and just allow someone to talk about their experience and how they are feeling. When it is the right time in the conversation, you can then gently guide someone towards supportive actions, like doing some gentle exercise, staying connected with friends and family, or maintaining regular routines.” Ms Clements emphasised the importance of checking in again to ensure people have continued support. If you notice someone’s distress is ongoing for several weeks and begins to affect their work or social life, professional help should be encouraged. If you or the children in your care are experiencing ongoing distress, consider speaking with a doctor or another trusted healthcare provider. Free and professional 24/7counselling services are available, find contact details here . If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 000. Ask R U OK? Any Day.

2025 with R U OK?

11 December 2025
This year, Australians continued to grow their confidence and capability to ask, 'are you OK?' any day of the year - reminding us how real connection and meaningful conversations can happen in the most ordinary, everyday moments. Across every age and stage of life, people helped normalise these important check-ins by looking out for one another, reducing stigma, and driving genuine change. Thanks to our supporters, awareness continues to expand in schools, workplaces, sporting clubs, and communities in every corner of Australia. Thank you to everyone who started conversations, and to everyone who supported the mission and work of R U OK?. Below is a short video which shares a glimpse of the activity made possible through collaboration. *Voice-over by former-CEO, Katherine Newton.

Connecting generations through conversation and storytelling

10 December 2025
From growing up on farms to a shared interest in history, Australians, young and old, are discovering just how much they have in common, and how storytelling can connect generations in unexpected ways. What’s bringing them together is 'Heart and Soul Story', a social enterprise that fosters intergenerational connections. Through its programs, young people and older generations come together in aged care homes and schools to share stories, build life skills, and prevent loneliness. At a recent session which encouraged everyone to Ask R U OK? Any Day, students visited an aged-care community with R U OK? Conversation Bingo cards, which feature prompts to spark humour, curiosity, and connection.
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