Thanks for Asking

When it comes to our friends, family and loved ones, do we know how they're really going? As close as we might be, sometimes it's hard to tell. In this bonus episode of our podcast ‘We need to talk'. We explore the 2021 R U OK?Day message: Are they really OK? Ask them today. We chat about when and how to ask “are you OK?” and how to make it a part of your everyday. Because a conversation could change a life. Our guests are Sam Mac, weather presenter and R U OK? Community Ambassador, psychologist and suicidologist Ann-Maree Fardell Hartley and R U OK? Ambassador Program Manager Charlie Willbridge.

R U OK? Ambassadors Luke Antony and Jacob Ridgeway reflect on their experiences with depression and grief and the difference the support of family and friends can make. Dr Jan Orman joins us to talk about when we might need to ask R U OK? and when a conversation might become too big for friends and family alone. 

Seven-time world champion surfer and R U OK? Ambassador Layne Beachley talks about the difference a support network can make and urges us all to help people talk about their problems. R U OK? Board Member Graeme Cowan provides tips and advice to help us all Trust the Signs, Trust our Gut & Ask R U OK?

Thanks for Asking season two is about to land with a new host, Barry Du Bois. Barry shares why he believes in the power of a conversation and what's planned in the build-up to R U OK?Day on Thursday 12 September 2019.

Dr Jan Orman is a GP with over 30 years experience. She's also a GP educator with the Black Dog Institute. She shares why she believes in the power of conversation and the treatment paths that individuals can choose to take for psychological issues, including visiting their GP and using e-mental health tools.

To encourage people to talk, and with the hope it will help you or a friend in need, R U OK? Ambassador Craig Mack is sharing his story and how, with personal and professional support, he manages his depression. 

Beata English was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2008. She’d ridden a rollercoaster of highs and lows since her teens but found her initial diagnosis hard to accept. Today, she’s working to break down the negative perceptions people hold towards mental illness and has embraced the opportunity to become an R U OK? Ambassador and the voice behind her much-loved blog, Tickle My Mind. This is her story.

Six weeks after surviving the 2005 London terrorist bombing that killed 26 people on her train, Kristina Lawrence was on her way to work when she had a conversation with her mum that changed her life. Today, Kristina is the Event and Projects Manager for R U OK? This is her story.

Meet Simon Gillard an ex-police officer who like 10%, but possibly as high as 20%, of emergency service workers battles with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result of what they’ve dealt with on the job. In 2011, Simon hit rock bottom, but thankfully he found the help and support he needed. He’s now an advocate for others with PTSD, depression and anxiety in the emergency services, military and the wider community. This is his story.

Real people share times a heartfelt conversation changed someone’s life. You might laugh, you might cry but most importantly you’ll feel empowered because asking “are you ok? when someone’s struggling with life, could turn things around in ways you might not have imagined. A conversation can change a life. Hosted by Bianca Dye and Kamal Sarma. For conversation tips and information on Aussie suicide prevention charity R U OK? visit www.ruok.org.au If today’s episode has brought up tough emotions or you or a loved one need immediate support, we urge you to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14. It’s a free, confidential crisis support service that’s available 24/7 And If you’re not sure what other help is available you can find a number of Aussie supports at ruok.org.au Just click the Find Help button.