A simple question could help someone feel less alone, according to R U OK?, which is encouraging Hindi-speaking communities across Australia to check in with people they are concerned about.
Ahead of R U OK?Day on 10 September, the organisation is promoting its message, “If you’re thinking it, Ask R U OK? Any Day”, and encouraging people to act when they notice changes in someone they care about.
Research commissioned by R U OK? found that one in three Australians underestimate the difference asking “are you OK?” can make. At the same time, most people who had been asked said the experience left them feeling better connected, supported and positive.
R U OK? has developed free Hindi-language resources to help people feel more comfortable starting these conversations. The organisation works with community representatives to ensure its materials are practical and culturally appropriate.
For R U OK? Community Ambassador Devendra Sapkota, who works in the mental health sector with culturally and linguistically diverse communities, language can play an important role in helping people recognise when support may be needed.
“Culturally appropriate resources matter because they help people realise they are not alone and that support is available,” Sapkota said.
“Information in someone’s own language helps break down barriers, making it easier to understand what’s happening, recognise the signs and know where to seek support.”
Sapkota said conversations did not need to involve finding solutions to another person’s problems. Instead, he encouraged people to listen without judgement and help those who may be struggling connect with appropriate support.
“You never know what someone else is carrying. They could be dealing with family problems, financial stress or caring for someone who is unwell,” he said.
“We’re not here to solve people’s problems. We’re here to help them feel less alone and encourage them to seek support.”
R U OK? uses a four-step approach known as ALEC: Ask, Listen, Encourage Action and Check In. The organisation provides free resources to help people understand how to approach a conversation and respond appropriately.
The charity says its Hindi resources have been developed in consultation with Hindi-speaking groups and community leaders, with the aim of making conversations about mental health easier to approach in culturally sensitive settings.
R U OK? CEO Lach Searle said people sometimes hesitate to check in because they are unsure whether their intervention will make a difference.
“So many people want to help but sometimes they hold back because they’re not sure whether checking in with someone will really make a difference,” Searle said.
“What this research tells us is that asking, ‘are you OK?’ can absolutely have a positive impact.”
Searle said the question could be a way of showing someone that they were cared about, while giving them an opportunity to talk if they wanted to.
The organisation’s annual R U OK?Day falls on the second Thursday of September. This year’s event will take place on 10 September, although R U OK? is stressing that conversations about wellbeing should not be limited to one day.
R U OK? provides resources throughout the year designed to help Australians recognise signs that someone may be struggling, start a conversation and encourage appropriate support.
The organisation also tailors resources for different population groups and settings, drawing on lived experience when developing its campaigns.
For Hindi-speaking communities, the campaign provides an opportunity to approach conversations about wellbeing in a familiar language while recognising that people may have different experiences of discussing mental health and seeking help.
People who are concerned about someone are encouraged to choose an appropriate time and place to talk, listen to what the person has to say and support them in considering what help may be suitable. R U OK? also advises people to seek professional assistance when the situation requires it.
Free Hindi-language conversation resources are available through R U OK?.
People needing immediate crisis support in Australia can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours a day. Text support is available on 0477 13 11 14.
Embrace Multicultural Mental Health provides culturally appropriate mental health information and resources, while TIS National offers 24-hour telephone interpreting on 131 450 for people who need language assistance.
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