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R U OK? Day is a reminder to check in with the people around us, but it’s also a good opportunity to pause and check in with ourselves.
Studying online offers great flexibility, but managing coursework alongside work and family commitments can leave you feeling disconnected. When you are moving from one assessment to the next, it is easy to forget to slow down and check in with yourself, or reach out to someone else.
"How am I really going?"
Your wellbeing is just as important as your studies. Whether you're feeling stressed, overwhelmed, lacking motivation, or simply finding things a little difficult, remember that you don't have to manage everything on your own.
Checking in with someone else
If there is someone in your life you have been meaning to catch up with, R U OK? Day is a great reminder to reach out. A simple, genuine conversation can make a real difference.
If you are checking in with someone who may be struggling, the standard four-step R U OK? conversation framework is a great place to start:
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Ask R U OK?: Be specific, choose a good time, and ask genuinely.
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Listen: Listen with an open mind and without judgement.
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Encourage action: Help them think about practical next steps or support network options.
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Check in: Follow up after a few days to show you care.
If you're the one finding things difficult
If you are going through a tough patch, please know you do not need to carry it by yourself. Support is always available, and reaching out is a practical step toward feeling like yourself again.
Lifeline: 13 11 14
Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636
Black Dog Institute: blackdoginstitute.org.au
13YARN: 13 92 76
MensLine Australia: 1300 78 99 78
Free counselling support for Open Colleges students
Open Colleges has partnered with the Australian Counselling Service (ACS) to provide free, confidential and compassionate counselling support throughout your studies.
The service offers:
• Free and confidential support
• Online sessions via Zoom
• A choice of service and counsellor
• Flexible appointments, available 7 days a week
To book a session, visit the Australian Counselling Service website, click "Book an appointment", and select "Partner Referrals" to choose your preferred practitioner and time. You can also find a step-by-step booking guide inside the Welcome Module in OpenSpace.
Don't forget about your study support
Wellbeing and academic success go hand in hand. If you are stuck on an assessment, feeling unsure about a module, or struggling with time management, the Open Colleges Student Support team and your Trainers are here to help. Asking for clarification or requesting a brief extension isn't a setback - it is a smart way to keep your momentum going.
Take a moment for yourself
You don't need to wait until you are completely burnt out to pause and reset. Taking a short walk, talking to a peer, or simply stepping away from the screen for an hour can make all the difference.
This R U OK? Day, take a moment to pause, check in with yourself, and reach out to the people around you. Your wellbeing matters every bit as much as your goals.
