10/09/2026
R U OK?
The hard part is the ten seconds after someone says “yeah, not great actually.” That is where most of us panic and start offering solutions.
You do not need solutions. You need to not fill the silence.
Three things that make it easier:
Ask when you are side by side. On the walk to the ute, at the bench, during a stretch break. Nobody has to hold eye contact and nobody has to make it a big deal.
Listen without fixing. Ask what has helped before and let them find the answer themselves.
Check back in. Put a reminder in your phone for two weeks out. Following up is what turns one awkward conversation into someone actually feeling backed.
Thursday 10 September is R U OK?Day. Ask anyway, even if it comes out wrong.
If you or someone you work with needs support, Lifeline is 13 11 14, any time.