R U OK? Day 2025: “Ask R U OK? Any Day”
This year, R U OK? Day falls on Thursday, 11 September 2025, but the most important message is that asking “Are you okay?” shouldn’t be limited to just one day. The 2025 theme, “Ask R U OK? Any Day”, reinforces the notion that every day is the right day to reach out to those you care about.
Why It Matters
Care on repeat: People who are regularly asked “Are you OK?” report higher levels of wellbeing.
Gratitude and connection: Nine in ten Australians say they feel supported, cared for, and grateful when someone genuinely asks how they’re doing.
Small conversations, big impact: Even brief check-ins—like over a cuppa—can spark positive change.
5 Tips for Asking “Are You OK?”
Before jumping into the conversation, it helps to set yourself and the other person up for success. Here’s how:
Pick the right time and place
Choose a moment when you’re both as present and unhurried as possible.
Avoid rushing in when they may be distracted.
A quiet space, a walk, or a casual coffee can help create a safe, comfortable environment.
Ask R U OK?
Gently open the conversation with curiosity and care.
Try: “How have you been lately?” or “I’ve noticed you seem a bit off—are you OK?”
Keep it open-ended and pressure-free.
Listen with an open mind
Let them talk without interruptions.
Avoid trying to fix or problem-solve.
Validate their experience: “That sounds really tough.”
Silence is okay—sometimes it gives them space to open up.
Encourage action
Ask: “What’s helped you in the past?” or “What might make things a little easier right now?”
If they’ve been feeling low for more than two weeks, gently encourage professional support.
Check in again
Follow up after a few days or weeks: “I’ve been thinking about you—how are things going now?”
Ongoing support shows you care and can make a big difference.
Make It Year-Round, Not Just for One Day
R U OK? is more than a single day—it’s a year-round movement. Whether at home, school, or work, regular check-ins help build a culture of empathy and support.
You Can Make a Difference
This R U OK? Day, and every day, remember:
You don’t need to have the perfect words—your genuine concern matters more.
Choose the right time, use the 5 steps to guide your conversations, and follow up.
Your consistency and care can make a real difference.
If you or someone you know would benefit from professional support to assist with depression, navigating life stress or tools to manage anxiety, contact our experienced Clinical Psychologist at Element Health and Psychology to make an appointment today.
References
R U OK? (2025). Ask R U OK? Any Day. Retrieved from: https://www.ruok.org.au/ask-ruok-any-day
R U OK? (2025). How to Ask. Retrieved from: https://www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
Life in Mind. (2025). R U OK? Day 2025: Ask R U OK? Any Day. Retrieved from: https://lifeinmind.org.au/news/r-u-ok-day-2025-ask-r-u-ok-any-day
News.com.au. (2024). 1 in 2 Aussies don’t know how to have important mental health conversations. Retrieved from: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/important-conversation-1-in-2-aussies-dont-know-how-to-have/news-story/e662390c745d25564f401a62cf73ead7
Herald Sun. (2024). Colleague’s simple question changed Bellarine mum’s life. Retrieved from: https://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/geelong/natalie-woodfull-speaks-as-community-ambassador-ahead-of-r-u-ok-day/news-story/8a17895012b4955743f6ddc6e63a2297
Courier Mail. (2024). ‘Conversations that save lives’: Nationwide initiative coming to the Darling Downs. Retrieved from: https://www.couriermail.com.au/news/toowoomba/r-u-ok-conversation-convoy-travels-nationwide-to-start-lifesaving-conversations/news-story/cfee9d4aa9d99dc3d49203dc449ad211