The University of Iowa has partnered with R U OK? to help you learn how to assist people who may be struggling with their mental health. 

Through the Well-Being and Mental Health Campus Collaborative, the university's Employee Assistance Program, in collaboration with campus experts, has developed training and materials for employees, including supervisors, staff, and faculty. Training for students is forthcoming.

R U OK? can help you spot the signs that someone may be struggling, prepare for a conversation about how they're doing, and provide appropriate referrals and follow up.

Interested in implementing R U OK? with your team? Contact the Employee assistance program at eaphelp@uiowa.edu or 319-335-2085.

Starting a Conversation

Many people going through a difficult time are relieved when someone checks in on them. Even if they aren’t ready to talk, they still know you care and are there to listen when they’re ready. 

Starting a conversation with someone you’re worried about can be challenging. R U OK? developed ALEC (Ask, Listen, Encourage action, and Check in) to help you navigate that conversation. 

Ask R U OK?: Choose a comfortable place and time to ask: “How’s it going?” You may say something like: “I’ve noticed you haven’t seemed like yourself lately—is everything all right?” At the time that you ask, they might not be ready to talk. Avoid pressing for a response and instead suggest another time to check in. 

Listen: It’s natural to want to be a problem-solver, but when someone is going through a tough time, listening to understand rather than respond can be the most effective support. Try not to rush the conversation and know it’s ok to have moments of silence. You may even find that as they’re talking, they’re working through the problem themselves. 

Encourage action: You can help your peer think of ways to manage a stressful situation by asking something like: “Have you spoken to a family member or friend about what you’re going through?” “Do you think it would be helpful if we looked into resources to support you? I’d like to help.” 

Check in: Check in again in a few days, or sooner if you’re worried they might be in crisis. Remind them they can come to you to talk. If you spoke about seeking professional help, continue to encourage them, but also understand that sometimes it can take a while for someone to be ready to see a professional.