Northern Health is emphasising the importance of psychological health and wellbeing ahead of R U OK? Day.
September 14 is national R U OK? Day, a day of action to encourage meaningful conversations with the people around you and looking out for signs of trouble?
Northern Health people and culture executive director Michelle Fenwick said this year in particular is special given the challenges faced by hospital staff and the general public alike over the past three to four years. She said checking up on your peers’ mental health has never been more important.
“Take the time to ask the question and sit down with either family, colleagues and the like, to really be here to hear the response,” she said.
Northern Health people and culture senior psychologist Pat Casey O’Brien spoke to the importance of maintaining the wellbeing of the people around us, and explained everybody can make a difference.
“There are many ways we can support each other, and you don’t need to have counselling skills or training to have a powerful impact on someone’s day,“ she said.
“Kindness and support can come from a corridor check-in, sitting in silence together after a difficult event, or checking in on a colleague who has been having a hard time at home.”
Details: www.ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day
Gerald Lynch
