Why R U OK? Day matters for women more than ever - hear from our Psychotherapist
R U OK? Day – a national reminder to pause, connect, and check in with those around us.
For women especially, it can often feel like we carry the weight of the world – juggling families, careers, relationships, and our own wellbeing. Sometimes we do it with a smile, but underneath many of us are exhausted, overwhelmed, or silently struggling.
That’s why R U OK? Day is so important. It’s not just about asking a question; it’s about creating a safe space where someone feels seen, supported, and cared for.
Why women often need this conversation
Many women are the “glue” that holds families and communities together. But in the process, we can forget to ask ourselves if we’re truly okay.
Hormonal changes, stress, burnout, and the pressures of keeping everything together can leave us vulnerable to anxiety, depression, or simply feeling “not ourselves.”
Checking in with each other – mum to mum, friend to friend, colleague to colleague – can make the difference between someone continuing to struggle alone or feeling brave enough to reach out for help.
How to ask R U OK? in a real way
It’s not about rushing through the words. Here are some tips to make it meaningful:
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Pick the right moment – somewhere quiet, private, or safe.
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Ask gently but directly – “I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately, are you okay?”
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Listen without judgement – allow silence, let her speak freely.
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Encourage support – whether it’s talking to a friend, joining a group, or seeking professional help.
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Follow up – check in again. Sometimes one conversation isn’t enough.
Why it matters
A simple check-in has the power to save lives. It can also create deeper bonds between women, reminding us that we’re never truly alone. For every one of us carrying invisible weight, hearing those three little words – “Are you okay?” – can feel like a lifeline.
On R U OK? Day, let’s make the effort to reach out. You never know how much it could mean to someone in your world.
And let's hear DIRECTLY from Psychotherapist Shara on R U OK Day?