R U OK? Managing mental health in the age of COVID

Mental health has come into the spotlight as New Zealanders have endured some of the toughest COVID-19 restrictions in the world. Faced with almost never-ending lockdowns in Victoria, curfews, and politicians changing the rules on a daily basis depending on which way the wind was blowing; workers have encountered two years of employment uncertainty, restrictions of freedoms and financial constraints. As such, people are turning increasingly to outside mental health networks.

“More people are reaching out to mental health services for support,” Dr Melisah Feeney, principal consultant, organisational psychologist and executive coach, told HRD.  “If we saw someone walking into the office with a physical injury such as hopping along with crutches, or trying to open a door open with one arm in a sling, or if the person was in a wheelchair struggling in some way we would more confidently ask them R U OK , do you need help?

“But when are far less confident to know how to respond when we see someone looking slightly down, or with tears in their eyes, or withdrawn, or looking more anxious than their usual self.

“Sadly, many people often avoid, sidestep or leave the person alone for fear of not knowing how to hold the conversation or feel they might be unqualified to do so.  So, having a day that raises awareness of how simple it can be to show we care for someone without needing to be a therapist is a positive step to building our comfort to engage with mental health in the workplace.”

R U OK? Is a harm prevention charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives. It focuses on building the motivation, confidence, and skills of the help-giver - the person who can have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with life.

“R U OK day is critical as we are not yet as skilled and courageous to hold conversation on mental health and wellbeing and this day helps as practice how easy it can be to open an authentic conversation with a simple R U OK?” Dr Feeney added. “R U OK is a great opener to start with following by something like ‘you don’t seem yourself’. If people respond from their habitual response ‘I am good’ you can respond by saying, ‘how are you really?’

“You can perhaps reflect back what you have noticed factually - without any judgement.  For example, you could say, ‘I am concerned about you, you normally are optimistic about things but in the past week I have noticed how gloomy everything appears to you’. 

“People often need to know you are open to a deeper conversation where it is safe to share a certain level of vulnerability.  You may want to ask, ‘how often have you had these thoughts or feelings?’ and then it is powerful to reflect back the content you hear that tells the person, ‘I hear you.’’’

Parents and carers were asked about the mental health of their children and reported they had seen the largest negative impact on the mental health of those aged five to 18 years, while there were fewer concerns for children aged two to four. Co-author of the study, Professor Nicholas Biddle said 71% of parents and carers of young people aged 15 to 18 reported worsening mental health conditions for their children. A Sydney University found that those who experienced unemployment and financial certainty suffered poor mental health. According to the government survey conducted in 2019, just before the global pandemic started, suicide was the main cause of death for those aged between 15 – 49 years old.

Mental health has never been more important in a world of uncertainty where freedoms can change in hours.

Mental health hotlines

Are you or someone you know struggling with mental health concerns? Call the numbers below to speak to a specialist.

• Samaritans – 0800 726 666
• Lifeline – 0800 543 354
• Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865
• Healthline – 0800 611 116