Three important words: “R U OK?”

R U OK? Day today is a reminder to Colac district community members to check in with someone who might be struggling.

With a global pandemic and Colac experiencing restrictions and isolation amid active coronavirus cases, community members can reach out to someone and ask “Are you okay?”

Let’s Talk Colac executive committee member Kirsty Oborne urged people to send a message, an inbox on Facebook or a phone call to let that person know someone was looking out for them.

“People will just throw it around but I think it’s a really important question to ask,” she said.

“For some people they could just be holding on for that one person to reach out, especially at the moment when people are feeling isolated and there’s just so much going on for everybody.”

Kirsty said some people put on an “I’m fine” persona because they weren’t ready to talk about their issue or didn’t want to admit things weren’t good.

“A lot of people self-internalise their issues and they’re almost waiting for that invitation to speak. If you go first and start that conversation, it almost gives that person permission to speak and open up,” she said.

“We have the same situation with COVID but we’re all dealing with it differently and the worst thing you can do is compare yourself to someone else.

“What you feel and how you experience it is you, it’s your life and you’re living it.”

Kirsty said choosing the right time and environment to ask the question was important to consider.

She said to not be afraid of someone responding that they’re not okay, and to follow on the conversation and take the time to listen and encourage them to take action or find support.

“I think people get a bit nervous about the response they might receive, but it’s about actively listening,” she said.

“They can also be worried they might offend somebody if they say ‘I’ve noticed you’re not really yourself’ or ‘I think you’re not managing’.

“The impact you can have on somebody’s day far outweighs the possibility of it ending negatively. You can really impact and change somebody by letting them know they’re thought of.”

People can go online to ruok.org.au/how-to-ask for a guide on how to ask someone if they’re okay.