By Salt 106.5 TeamFriday 13 Sep 2024The Morning Wake-up with JordanaHealth and WellbeingReading Time: 3 minutes

“Sitting down and having one conversation could actually change someone’s life,” said Kathy Wilson, R U OK? Community Ambassador when she joined Jordana to chat about the importance of having ‘that’ conversation.

Key Points

• “Let’s try and ask that to someone every day because, as you said, a conversation can just change a life,” Jordana said. 
• Follow-ups are just as essential as the initial conversation.
• Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

“And literally over a cup of tea, cup of coffee.”

Every year we all talk about the importance of checking in with each other on R U OK? Day. But this year, we’re being reminded that asking this important question shouldn’t be limited to just one day. Engaging in genuine conversations regularly can significantly impact someone’s life by breaking down walls and fostering a supportive network.

ALec Framework

The ALec framework is a handy guide for effectively handling these important conversations.

“Let’s try and ask that to someone every day because, as you said, a conversation can just change a life,” Jordana said.

“Let’s try and ask that to someone every day because, as you said, a conversation can just change a life,” Jordana said.

Ask

Initiating a conversation can sometimes be daunting, but it is the first step toward making a difference. Being courageous enough to ask someone if they’re okay changes everything.

“Sitting down and having one conversation could actually change someone’s life,” Kathy said.

Make sure your approach is genuine and caring, creating a safe atmosphere for the other person to feel comfortable enough to respond honestly.

Listen

Active listening is what transforms the question from a mere formality to a meaningful interaction.

“It’s important to tune in, sometimes to the nonverbals as well,” Kathy said and explained that body language and emotional cues can tell us a lot.

“It’s just a love language,” Jordana added.

“I think making a cup of tea for someone, making a coffee, but sitting and listening I think is definitely an art.”

Encourage

After someone opens up to you, encouraging them to seek professional help if needed can be a lifesaving move.

It’s about “encouraging them to reach out to different services that are out there that are actually professionals,” Kathy said.

Follow-ups are just as essential as the initial conversation.

This could be as simple as recommending a visit to their doctor or engaging with an organization’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

The key is to support the individual without overwhelming them, providing guidance and suggesting manageable steps towards recovery or support.

“In terms of the person that is needing potentially some support is encouraging them to reach out to different services that are out there that are actually professionals.”

Check In

Follow-ups are just as essential as the initial conversation.

“It’s also really important to check back into that particular individual as well,” Kathy said.

This shows your ongoing concern and support, making it clear that your care doesn’t begin and end with a single question.

Listen to the full conversation in the player above.

Feature image by CanvaPro