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It is possible more people asked after the wellbeing of their friends, family and colleagues on R U OK? Day yesterday than at any other time during 2016.
But a Bendigonian woman wants her community to take a year-round interest in other people’s state of mind.
Cass Fuller, 27, was diagnosed with bipolar affective disorder in 2012.
While she welcomed awareness initiatives like R U OK?, she said the 24-hour occasion made it too easy for people to forget about mental illness the other 364 days of the year.
Miss Fuller shared the same concerns about videos and photographs on social media dedicated to mental health causes.
“People can push it to the side and, because it might not be relevant to their personal life, it doesn't really matter to them,” she said.
“But we're all fighting our own battles, regardless of how big or small they might seem to others, so why should one day make people feel like they have done their part, then move on with their own lives?”
Miss Fuller said education from a young age was critical in combating the stigma that still surrounded mental illness.
She was only introduced to the topic of mental health after electing to study psychology at high school, a non-compulsory subject.
Among the skills she believed all people needed to develop was knowing what to say to someone in crisis, especially when they would not admit to their struggle.
“It's fine for people to say R U OK?, but if someone turns around and says they’re fine, and you can tell that it’s not true, what do you do then?” she said. “It's easier to put a smile on your face rather than go deep down and say what's in your soul.”
The R U OK? website provides the community with advice for these difficult conversations, which can be used outside of its September day of awareness.
Tips include asking someone how they managed distress in the past; inquiring after the type of support they would like; making contact again soon after the initial conversation; and listening silently without judgment.
“Genuine care and concern can make a real difference,” the website said.
Miss Fuller agreed, saying someone who was brave enough to disclose their personal struggle should not be subjected to labels or judgment.
“It doesn't define who a person is,” she said.
“You should still be treated like everyone else.”