It’s time we asked: ‘R U OK?’
We Aussies pride ourselves on our strong work ethic and ‘she’ll be right’ attitude. But research by Beyond Blue shows that our national bravado could be bringing us down — and holding us back. As many as one in five Australian workers will suffer from a mental illness or severe mood disorder in their lifetimes, impacting not only their relationships at home but their productivity in their place of work.
The root cause of a mental health condition may be inherently personal, but what if there was a way to ensure that discussions about protecting and improving it are always on the table?
This September 8th is ‘R U OK? Day’, a national day that asks people from all walks of life to stop what we’re doing and start a meaningful, potentially life-saving conversation with our mates and co-workers in the name of mental health. Businesses Australia-wide are encouraged to take part in the Department of Health-funded campaign by hosting an event, a fundraiser or even just getting a little festive — ‘R U OK? Day’ event kits, complete with eye-catching posters for your break room, are available to download and print for free at ruok.org.au.
Premium Health’s ‘Are You OK Mate?’ workshop – where a conversation turns to action
Breaking the ice is never easy, so at Premium Health we’re committed to helping business leaders empower their staff to start a potentially life-saving conversation confidently and with due sensitivity with our on-site ‘Are You OK Mate?’ workshop.
Over the course of one hour, our experienced nurse or paramedic trainers will help your workers to recognise and understand mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety as they appear in a working environment, and how to take the appropriate course of action.