EPISODE 31: RUOK DAY 2022 - THE POWER OF ASKING RUOK? In Conversation with Eric Cruz

Eric Cruz is an official RUOK Day Ambassador. He is 38 years of age, he is married to his wonderful wife Sarah and is very proud of his Filipino heritage. Eric is from Adelaide and works in the Community Services Sector for CatholicCare. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and has worked across the corporate, disability, aged and mental health sectors. In addition to this role Eric owns and manages his own Mental Health Awareness Enterprise called Man About Adelaide. Through this mental health online platform, Eric has shared his story with over 50 groups.

Eric’s passion for mental health awareness stems from his own lived experience with anxiety and depression as well as the effects that it has had on those close to him. In this episode he generously shares his personal story and speaks to the power of checking in on family and friends. Eric names some of the barriers in speaking about mental health issues and the power of asking RUOK?

** Please note that there are some references in this episode to sensitive mental health issues including suicide. If you feel uncomfortable or distressed at any point please reach out to someone for help, connect with one of the support agencies like Beyond Blue or Life Line, or contact a medical practitioner directly.