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R U OK? Day: Checking In On Mental Health
R U OK? Day falls on Thursday, 10 September this year, a national day dedicated to a simple but important idea: that a genuine conversation can make a real difference to someone who’s struggling. At Champion Medical Centre, Bertram (CMC), we see first-hand how much mental health matters alongside physical health, which is why we wanted to share a few thoughts on checking in, and on the support that’s available if you or someone you care about needs it.
What Is R U OK? Day
R U OK? Day is an Australian public health initiative that encourages people to ask the people around them, family, friends, colleagues, neighbours, a simple question: are you okay? The idea behind it is straightforward: many people who are struggling don’t reach out first, so a proactive, caring conversation from someone else can be the first step towards getting support. What started as a single day each September has grown into a broader message about checking in regularly, not just once a year.
Why Checking In Matters
Life in Bertram and the surrounding suburbs moves fast, and it’s easy for the people around us to seem fine on the surface while quietly dealing with something harder underneath. Checking in doesn’t require special training or the perfect words. It simply means noticing when someone seems different, making time to ask, and genuinely listening to the answer without rushing to fix things or move the conversation along. Mental health, like physical health, exists on a spectrum, and most people benefit from support long before a situation becomes a crisis.
Noticing the Signs
Sometimes it’s not obvious that someone needs a check-in. It can help to notice changes rather than looking for one specific sign, someone withdrawing from things they usually enjoy, seeming more irritable or flat than usual, changes in sleep or energy, or simply seeming “not quite themselves” over a few weeks. None of these changes mean something is definitely wrong, but they’re a reasonable prompt to ask the question and see how someone’s really going.
How to Start a Conversation
R U OK? Day’s own guidance is a useful, simple framework for these conversations:
- Ask- pick a good time and place, and ask open, genuine questions like “how are you really going?”
- Listen- give the person your full attention, without judgement, and without needing to jump straight to advice
- Encourage action- gently suggest they speak to someone they trust, or a health professional, if things feel bigger than a single conversation
- Check in- follow up again in the days or weeks after, so the person knows the door is still open
Talk to Your GP
If a conversation reveals that someone needs more support, the first and best step is usually a conversation with their own GP. Your GP can talk through how you’re feeling, discuss options such as a Mental Health Care Plan, and help you understand what support might be right for you, based on your own circumstances. Appointments can be booked online at any time, or you’re welcome to call reception if you’d prefer to talk it through first.
Where to Get Help Right Now
If you or someone you know needs support right now, help is available. Lifeline is available 24/7 on 13 11 14, and Beyond Blue can be reached on 1300 22 4636. In an emergency, or if there’s immediate risk to someone’s safety, please call 000.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a referral to see a psychologist?
A GP referral and Mental Health Care Plan can help reduce the cost of sessions, book a GP appointment first to discuss this.
Is there a cost involved?
This depends on your individual Medicare eligibility and care plan. Reception can talk you through what to expect for your circumstances.
What if I’m not sure whether I need to see someone?
That’s a completely reasonable place to start from, a conversation with your GP is a good first step, and there’s no pressure beyond that.
Can I book an appointment for someone else, like an ageing parent?
You can help someone book their own appointment, though the person themselves will generally need to attend and consent to their own care.
Book Your Visit Today
Whether it’s a check-in for yourself or for someone you care about, CMC is here to help. Book online today, or call reception to arrange a time to talk.
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