I HATE R U OK Day — 9/15/23
<p>It’s been a busy couple of weeks and yesterday was international “R U OK” day. I spent the day both in my office and outside of it and I have to say, what I saw frustrates the hell out of me.</p>
<p>Every year, despite working intensely around mental health, I choose not to participate in these types of days. Here’s why.</p>
<p>Let’s start with my main frustration — the bullshit. Whether its R U OK day, Mental Health Round in sports or initiatives taken by corporation, it’s all bullshit. I’m sorry but someone has to say it.</p>
<p>I think it’s great so much awareness has been brought to mental health, wellness and breaking down stigmas of mental health. I think that teams are willing to invest in jersey’s, t-shirts and production during mental health round’s is just fantastic. Corporations who want to get behind the movement, well that’s just splendid, too.</p>
<p>I mean after all, everyone wants to be on the current trend, right?</p>
<p>Maybe I am being too cynical. Maybe on those special days, people feel more supported than usual. In fact, I’m sure they do. But what happens the day after? What happens a week down the track? A month?</p>
<p>The biggest issue with mental health, advocacy and our approach is we wait until <em>after</em> we need intervention. People tend to take initiative after the problem has already presented itself. Where is the proactivity and intervention before we get to our breaking points?</p>
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