R U OK Day 2025 Reflections: Michael Elwan Featured in Manna Institute’s Trunk Line

As R U OK? Day draws near on 11 September, I've been quietly reflecting on the quiet power of these check-ins, especially out here in our regional and rural spots where support can sometimes feel a bit distant.

In the fresh edition of Trunk Line from the Manna Institute, I share reflections for R U OK? Day 2025 - part of Manna Institute’s ongoing commitment to community connection and mental health research.

Dr Tara Lal AFSM reminds us that "Are you okay?" can feel a tad closed off; better to nudge it open with something like, "I've noticed you seem a bit off your usual self lately. How are you travelling?" She stresses the value of really listening deeply to help folks piece together their own stories and find a bit of strength again.

If someone's not keen on opening up right away, Tara suggests not pushing too hard but perhaps looping in someone close to them if you're worried; the key is keeping that connection warm with gentle follow-ups. My colleague Marg Rogers shares from her own life that a touch of honest vulnerability on your part can sometimes create space for others to share too.

And as someone who's walked through some tough spots myself, serving as a suicide prevention advocate and Lived and Living Experience rep on Manna's Strategic Group, I see R U OK? Day as a gentle spark for conversations that can truly shift things. It helps normalise reaching out, wears down the stigma bit by bit, and sows seeds of connection to keep isolation at bay in those hard moments. Over time, it might mean regular check-ins or nudging folks toward stronger networks; I've witnessed how that builds a real safety net, turning a quick chat into something enduring.

Plus, viewing it through a cultural lens matters so much; fostering links that honour diversity and belonging, building trust for ongoing support.

These bits of wisdom feel like small steps toward real shifts. Who's on your mind to check in with this week? For more guidance, pop over to ruok.org.au or have a read of the full Trunk Line from Manna Institute.

Based in Perth, WA, LEXs provides telehealth counselling across Australia for individuals, couples, and NDIS participants. Services extend to Social Work supervision, Peer Work supervision, training, and keynote speaking on men’s mental health, CaLD community wellbeing, and culturally responsive suicide prevention; helping people and organisations make mental-health care more compassionate, inclusive, and effective. LEXs provides services across Australia, supporting clients in Perth, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, and beyond. To learn more about our work across Australia, visit LEXs' services.