R U OK? Day isn’t just another date on the calendar for us at HeartBeat Digital. It’s a reminder that behind every email, every campaign deadline, and every client call, there are real people navigating real challenges.
This year, we asked our team to get honest about what mental wellbeing actually looks like in their daily lives. No sugar-coating, no corporate speak. Just real insights from us.
Our Team’s Thoughts on Mental Wellbeing
To capture our team’s genuine perspectives, we asked everyone to reflect on a few key questions about mental wellbeing, from what they’ve learned this year to the small daily habits that help them check in with themselves and others.
Lachlan McPherson
What’s one thing you’ve learned about mental wellbeing in the past year?
“That mental wellbeing isn’t linear; it’s a few steps forwards, one or two sideways, and sometimes one backwards. Sometimes it shows up real ugly, but you gotta be ok to show yourself and be as authentic as possible.
The difficult part is staying on track, staying positive and keep moving forwards. None of this was meant to be easy.
You just gotta keep fighting.”
What’s a sign you look for that someone you know might not be OK?
“I find that if someone goes quieter than usual, takes a long time to reply, or just seems a little ‘off’ with their normal energy, that’s often a sign to me that I need to check in and ask if they’re okay.
Sometimes it’s not about what they say, but about what they stop saying.”
Sam Hall
Mick Carney
What’s one thing you’ve learned about mental wellbeing in the past year?
“I’ve learned that many people can hide their struggles behind a brave face, even from those who know them well. It’s taught me that checking in with someone isn’t just about casual questions.
Sometimes you need to look a little deeper and make it comfortable for them to be honest about how they are feeling.
A simple, genuine conversation can make a big difference.”
What’s one small daily habit that helps you check in with yourself or others?
“I like to take a deep breath, close my eyes and really think about how I’m feeling in that moment.
Self analysis.
With others, especially my loved ones, I try to stay present and notice the little changes in their words or behaviour.
It’s my way of checking in on them with care.”
Bee Siddique
Alan Hall
What’s one thing you’ve learned about mental wellbeing in the past year?
“In the past year, I’ve learnt that even in the darkest of times, when everything feels hopeless, that by reaching out and accepting support, as difficult as that may be, that light can break through the darkness; and sometimes, surprisingly, help in the form of listening and supportive understanding can come from the most unexpected people.
You are not alone, even if you think you are.
Like a dark cloud on a stormy night, it will pass if you allow the sunlight a chance.”
What’s something kind someone has done for you recently that made a real difference?
“Two come to mind: My colleague, Alan, went to extra efforts to help out when I went on holiday in July, making returning much easier. We’ve had a busy year!
Secondly, a close friend has bought me a Singapore F1 ticket, a real bucket lister! So, we’ll go together, can’t wait to watch the night race, explore ‘Singers’ again, and hang out with a close friend.
Oh, and my parents, but that’s not ‘something’, that’s about a million things.”
Julian Richards
Benedicta Genoveva
What’s one thing you’ve learned about mental wellbeing in the past year?
“I’ve learned that looking okay on the outside doesn’t always mean you’re fine on the inside, and that it’s okay to admit when you’re not.
Mental wellbeing is not just about staying strong, it’s about knowing when to step back, breathe, and reach out.”
What’s one thing you’ve learned about mental wellbeing in the past year?
“I think the most valuable thing I’ve learned this year about mental wellbeing is that people don’t expect you to have all the answers that will magically heal them when they open up to you.
Most of the time they just want to talk to someone that is happy to listen (without trying to ‘fix’).
Just showing up, and being a shoulder to cry on can be more effective than you think.”
Jess Bloom
Jerome Honrado
What’s one thing you’ve learned about mental wellbeing in the past year?
“I’ve learned that mental well-being comes from being consistent with the little things. Taking breaks when needed, setting realistic expectations, and reminding myself not to ‘overthink’ have been very helpful.
I try to keep it simple, enjoy life, and don’t make it complicated.”
Why We’re Sharing This
At HeartBeat Digital, we’re proud of our culture of openness and support, knowing that these small actions contribute to a happier, healthier workplace.
We believe that asking someone “R U OK?” can make a world of difference, not just on one day in September, but any day of the year.
Reading through our team’s responses, it’s clear that mental wellbeing isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about showing up authentically, listening without trying to fix, and remembering that small gestures can have enormous impact.
From all of us at HeartBeat Digital: take care of yourself, and each other.
