How are you today? – Good thanks…How are you REALLY feeling today?

Mary: ‘How are you?’

Sue: ‘I’m OK thank you and you?’

Mary: ‘Good thanks’

Mary pauses. ‘Good’ are you really OK?’

Many people are familiar with the little greeting between Mary and Sue. In fact, the first two lines are often so familiar to us that they are just an extension of ‘hello’.

It is the third line is the really important one. So important, that we’ll say it again.

Mary pauses. ‘Good, are you really OK?’ – That’s the line.

Asking this question twice gives people the opportunity to say how the really feel. Giving people the opportunity to open up and have a conversation which may be very much appreciated.

The second point here is, that it’s OK not to be OK.

All too often we put on a brave face and carry on (which is needed sometimes), however other times just having the opportunity to talk, or even just message someone can make all the difference; and maybe was the message or conversation that someone needed at that moment.

The third point is that it is generally harder for men to open up and talk about their emotions and their mental health. So, to be able to go for a walk, a run, or bike ride, or even kick a football around in the park; may create the opportunity to talk.

Don’t be afraid to pick up the phone and speak to someone. It is sometimes hard to take that first step. However, once we have taken that step and made the call or sent the first text, we are often surprised how much love support and understanding is out there.

Just remember that we are often unaware of what is happening in other people’s lives.

Step back, take time to speak to someone, don’t judge and be kind to each other.

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