📫 When is it OK to ask R U OK?

When do you ask R U OK? Can you ask any time? What if they are OK? Will they be upset? How do I know someone needs help?

This newsletter is a little less fun than others; it talks about depression, anxiety, stress and the consequences, including suicide. I can be an uncomfortable and unpleasant topic, but it is essential to talk about, especially in the situation we currently find ourselves.

My hope is that, by reading this email, some of you might be able to help a colleague who might otherwise be suffering in silence. If you do, please let me know, we all need good news stories right now.

Additionally, I'm not a medical professional, and so if any of the below resonates with you, either for yourself or someone you know, then reach out and talk, there are some links and phone numbers at the bottom of the mail. Although, if you want to reach out to me, I'm more than happy to talk. 👍

If you, or someone you know needs help

Here are some numbers and addresses:

UK

• Samaritans: 116 123
  

• Mind
  https://www.mind.org.uk/ for help with depression.
  

• Anxiety UK:
  03444 775 774 (Monday to Friday, 9.30am to 5.30pm)
  www.anxietyuk.org.uk
  

• Men's Health Forum
  www.menshealthforum.org.uk
  

• Sane
  www.sane.org.uk/support
  

US

• Samaritans: 1 (800) 273-8255 (TALK).
  

• https://www.mentalhealth.gov/
  

• Crisis Text Line:
  Text SIGNS to 741741 for 24/7, anonymous, free crisis counseling
  

• Veterans Crisis Line:
  1-800-273-8255
  

• Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline
  (1-800-662-HELP (4357)
  

Australia

• Samaritans: 135 247
  

• Head to Health
  https://headtohealth.gov.au/
  

• Beyond Blue
  1300 22 46 36
  http://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support
  

• Black Dog Institute:
  http://www.blackdoginstitute.org.au/resources-support/
  

• Lifeline:
  Phone: 13 11 14 or Text: 0477 13 11 14 6pm - midnight AEST
  http://www.mensline.org.au/Home.html
  

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