For UGL Group HSEQ Manager – Systems & Assurance, Nathan Pike, a conversation with a work colleague became a turning point in seeking support for mental health challenges.
As we recognise R U OK? Day, Nathan shares his journey and the importance of receiving support.
In 2019, Nathan lost two important members of his family in quick succession. His father passed away from cancer and then his wife not long after. This happened as COVID-19 threw life into further chaos. Balancing grief, work, and the responsibility of raising his teenage sons while supporting his mother weighed heavily on him.
“I realised all the good advice I’d given others over the years about seeking help was advice I needed to finally take myself,” Nathan said. “It was a really complex and challenging time.”
One of his colleagues, noticing that Nathan wasn’t his usual self, asked the simple but powerful question, Are you OK?
“For me, it was the first time I had to answer honestly: No, I’m struggling. That moment was the doorway to seeking support. It really highlighted for me that mental health, like physical health, needs constant care,” Nathan explained.
That conversation prompted Nathan to take action. He accessed his company’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP), spoke with his GP, and began working with a psychologist who specialised in assisting executives. He also sought support for his teenage sons, helping them process grief and family changes.
Reflecting on the importance of asking, R U OK?, Nathan emphasised, “It might feel daunting to ask, but it can make a world of difference. You don’t need to pry; just noticing and asking someone if they’re OK can open the door for them to be honest with themselves and seek help.”
Nathan encourages people to view mental health as something to work on consistently and to reach out for help early. “No one expects you to shoulder everything on your own. It’s important to normalise these conversations and remind everyone that there’s no shame in seeking support.”
He also stressed the value of available resources, including EAP services, peer support officers, and mental health first aiders, which provide vital pathways to support.
This R U OK? Day, let’s all take the time to listen, connect, and ask the question that might change someone’s life.
“Life gets tough, but we’re not alone. Reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness,” said Nathan.
If you need help, you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.