R U OK? Day 2022

The 8th of September is R U OK? Day, is a National Day of Action that reminds all Australians to check in with the people around them and support anyone who is struggling.

The past couple of years have been difficult for all of us. With COVID-19, then a second and third wave and no end in sight, devastating bushfires, floods, war, economic crisis and now interest rates on the rise have changed the landscape of the norm, including our workplaces with work-at-home orders, lockdowns and even changes to the org structure. 

It’s no surprise that we are feeling fatigued, stressed, anxious or frustrated, and that’s OK, it’s a normal response. But what if we feel hopeless, depressed, or develop ongoing mental health concerns? 

Asking someone if they are OK isn’t always easy, especially in a work setting where we tend to put on the brave front, smile and just ‘get it done’. Taking the time to ask ‘’ are you ok’ and listen to someone without judgement might feel staged or awkward for some of us at first, but the key is to remember that we have ALL felt that way at least once and the intent behind this conversation starter is to support one another, reach out to someone you know may not be coping as well as they could with genuine intent. There are lots of great guides on the R U OK? website 
https://www.ruok.org.au/work 

We encourage you to think about this concept on this day and every other day, there’s no expiry
Some problems seem to get larger than we are able to manage on our own and ongoing support will be very important. You don’t need to be an expert to talk to someone, but at times, we may need that bit of extra support. 

There's help if you need it
Here at WorkPac, we are lucky to have free access to a team of specialist psychologists and counsellors that offer a confidential and non-threatening face-to-face or over-the-phone service to all of us, including our immediate family members & spouses through Gryphon, WorkPac’s Early Assistance Providers.

Remember, anyone can experience feelings of helplessness, depression, anxiety or be overwhelmed, this causes our thought patterns to shift from rational and or reality.

If you know someone who needs help or you need assistance yourself call Gryphon today on:
1800 056 076
or visit
www.gryphonpsych.com.au

Further support at no cost:
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Lifeline chat online: https://www.lifeline.org.au/crisis-chat
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 46 36
Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467
Headspace: https://headspace.org.au/
Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800
Mensline Australia: 1800 789 978
Blackdog Institute: Free online tools and resources https://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/
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