There is no single day that holds all our hard conversations. R U OK? Day is a reminder, not a limit. The theme R U OK? – Any Day says it plainly. Care is a daily practice.
I write this as HR and as a trained Mental Health First Aider. My job is people. Sometimes that means policies and systems. Often it means a quiet room, a glass of water, and time. It means noticing when someone is not themselves, asking a gentle question, and sitting with whatever answer comes. The goal is not to fix a person. The goal is to be with a person and help them find the next small step that feels possible.
Our values guide how we care.
Collaboration – we are there for each other. When someone needs a helping hand, we support each other.
Confidence – we have trust in each other. Our colleagues, leaders, mental health first aiders are available to be a support when moments are tough.
Relevance – We support and encourage each other through change and uncertainty.
What a Mental Health First Aider does here
At NATA, we have mental health first aiders in each of our state offices to provide initial, compassionate support and guidance to someone who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. They are there to listen, offer support and help guide the person to take the next small step.
How to Check Any Day
Notice
Pay attention to changes. Energy, mood, focus, absence, silence. None of these are proof on their own. But their presence can be a signal.
Ask
Try a soft opener
How are you going, really?
I have noticed you seem a bit stretched. Would you like to talk?
No pressure. I am here if you want a sounding board
Listen
Give space. Let pauses breathe. Reflect back what you hear
It sounds like you have been carrying a lot
Thank you for trusting me with that
Encourage action
Ask what would help today. Offer options, not orders
Would it help to step outside for five minutes?
Do you want me to sit with you while you call EAP?
Shall we work out a small plan for the week?
Check in
Follow up later. A short message or a quick chat can say I remember, and I care
If you are worried about someone now
If there is an immediate risk to safety, contact emergency services. Then let HR or a leader know so we can support the person and the team. If the concern is serious but not urgent, reach out to HR or a Mental Health First Aider to plan a safe next step. You are not alone in this.
If you are the one who is not OK
You do not need to have the right words. You can say I am not doing well and that is enough. You can talk to HR, to a Mental Health First Aider, or to a colleague you trust. You can also ask for practical adjustments. A quieter day. A different deadline. A short break. We will work with you.
Caring for the carer
If you are the one listening, remember to set gentle boundaries and debrief with a trusted support if needed. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of others. We build stamina for care the same way we build any professional skill. With practice, reflection, and support.
Conclusion
R U OK? Day is a national prompt, but the truth is that care does not fit neatly into any day. Ask with care. Listen with patience. Encourage even the smallest step. Circle back and check in again.
Together we can create a workplace where people feel safe to bring their whole selves, where help is offered early, and where no one has to feel alone in what they carry.