Why I Dislike “R U OK? Day” (Even Though I Agree With Its Message)
Today is R U OK? Day in Australia. It’s a day meant to raise awareness about mental health and suicide: how people may be suffering in silence and isolation, and that we should check on each other. In other words, ask each other: “Are you OK?”. At least, that’s the idea. A very good idea, I believe. But somewhere along the way, I feel the message has been misunderstood at best, and misrepresented at worst. I feel that whatever the…