Today is RUOK? day in Australia when we are being asked to check-in with family, friends, colleagues, neighbours and anyone else you know who may be living on their own, facing challenges or living with a crisis situation.

I know from my cancer experience that sometimes the hardest thing to do when you’re in turmoil or feeling alone is to ask for help. Sometimes, having someone simply ask, “Are you OK?” is the start of a conversation that stops the sand slipping rapidly from beneath your feet.

I am completely overjoyed that my cancer has been blitzed by chemo and surgery. I am beyond grateful that I am about to start radiation as the final phase in my treatment. But I am realistic enough to know that I have a very long road to walk back to “me”.

I admit I barely recognise the exhausted looking bald girl who stares back at me from the mirror these days.

The changes to my appearance over this last nine months has been extreme and incredibly confronting, to say the least. But I am still me, tucked away inside somewhere.

And I know that I could not have got to this point in my treatment without the love, support, encouragement and care that I’ve received from my amazing friends, family and community.

I am also acutely aware that it has been a harrowing journey, at times, for those closest to me.

So if you know someone who you suspect might be doing it tough right now, for whatever reason, please reach out to them. You never know how much it might help someone just to ask the question,”Are you OK?”