For many Australians caught in a cycle of struggling with their mental health, life’s ups and downs can become overwhelming. Thankfully, R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity teaching everyday Aussies how to have the tough conversations.
Here’s the lowdown from AusBiz
R U OK? Day is a yearly event encouraging friends, family members, partners and collegues to check in with the people they care about.
Research shows that those who are regularly asked ‘are you OK?’ reported increased feelings of wellbeing. If someone you know is struggling, empowering them to have a conversation could make all the difference.
This year, R U OK? Day is September 11. Events and activities are planned all across the country, making it easier for you to build your confience and check in with someone you care about.
Getting to the crux of the matter
According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, 3214 people committed suicide in 2023, making it the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 24. Meanwhile, the suicide rate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is roughly twice that of non-Indigenous Australians.
Luckily, around Australia, we have incredible resources available to support ourselves and those we love when we need it most. R U OK? is a suicide prevention charity encouraging people to look out for the signs that someone they care about is struggling, empowering them to have a conversation that could change a life.
The work of R U OK? is based around motivation and confidence for the help-giver. The goal is to inspire people to take the time to ask: “Are you ok?” and to listen to the response. By helping those struggling with mental health issues to feel connected, suicide risk can be reduced or even prevented. It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life. And asking, ‘Are you ok?’ is a great place to start.
R U OK? provides free resources targetted towards workplaces, schools, and communities. These resources educate help-givers about the risks of suicide, and coaches them through ways to spark an impactful conversation.
For students, this means learning how to talk to their friends about how they feel, or identifying the people they trust. In the workplace, it means pratcical guides to creating a supportive environment, and posters with contact details for national support services.
Meet a pro who can shed more light.
We spoke to an R U OK? team member about the best way to start a conversation this R U OK? Day.
How can we start these important discussions with out loved ones?
Use our four steps to start a conversation: ask, listen, encourage action and check in. Make sure you’ve chosen a time they can sit down and talk, and create a safe space for them. If you suspect someone is considering suicide, ask them directly in a calm, non-judgemental way. Listen to what they say and allow them to talk about what is going on for them. Take what they say seriously. Help them find pathways to professional support, such as calling Lifeline or booking an appointment with their GP. If you are worried for their immediate safety, call Triple Zero (000) or take them to the local Emergency Department.
When dealing with depression or anxiety, what support is on offer and how can it be accessed?
Our website provides a comprehensive list of help-seeking avenues for a variety of issues that people face. We all go through life’s challenges: grief, relationship breakdown, job loss, etc. When our relationships are strong, we are best placed to notice the signs that someone is struggling. You can find professional support for yourself or the person you are worried about online at ruok.org.au/findhelp
What support is available to people living in regional and rural areas?
We are committed to reaching everyone, no matter their location. With reduced mental health services, isolation and climate issues impacting those in regional areas, looking out for the signs that someone you know might be struggling with life is critical. R U OK? has created a ‘Mateship Manual’ – a short, simple guide designed specifically to address issues regional Aussies face. Find it at ruok.org.au/mateship-manual
We also provide a set of resources specifically targeting fly-in/fly-out (FIFO) employees who are at risk of isolation and disconnection from friends and loved ones. Tailored guides can be found at ruok.org.au/work-resources
Sometimes the most important thing we can do to support ourselves is simply to start today. What is one thing I can do today to support my own Mental Health?
Meaningfully connect with people in your life who really matter to you. When our connections are strong, we are more likely to feel supported and able to face the challenges that arise in all our lives.
And what is one thing I can do today to support other people in my life?
Visit them, phone them, check in with them, ask them how things are really going in their life. Have a meaningful conversation that allows them to open up and tell you what’s going on with them. It’s often said that the things that keep us up at night aren’t as bad when you’ve shared them with a friend, and that heartfelt conversation can be a great starting point to supporting someone.
R U OK Day is September 11. Start a conversation with the people you love, and connect to those who matter most.
How can I get involved with and support your work?
R U OK?: Familiarise yourself with the free resources on our website to help navigate the conversation when someone says: “No, I’m not ok.” You can host community, school or workplace events that integrate the R U OK? message, participate in challenges such as fun runs and walks to increase awareness, share our message on social media and inspire others to look out for those in your world, become workplace champions or become community ambassadors. Our website is a great starting point for people wanting to get involved: ruok.org.au/join-r-u-ok-day
To learn more about the mental health crisis facing Aussies, click here.
Support Services
R U OK?: Support for friends and family of people at risk of suicide, plus resources to access a variety of organisations that can help with mental health and suicide prevention.
ruok.org.au/findhelp
Lifeline: 24/7 phone serve and online chat (7pm to midnight Sydney time) for people at risk of suicide.
13 11 14 | lifeline.org.au
Suicide Call Back Service: 24/7 call service for people at risk of suicide.
1300 659 467 | suicidecallbackservice.org.au
GriefLine: Counselling for people experiencing grief.
1300 845 745 | griefline.org.au
Kids Helpline: Counselling for young people aged five to 25.
1800 55 1800 | kidshelpline.com.au
MensLine Australia: 24/7 support for men with family and relationship issues.
1300 78 99 78 | mensline.org.au
1800 Respect: 24/7 counselling about domestic violence.
1800 737 732 | 1800respect.org.au
The Embrace Project: Mental health resources for Australia’s multicultural communities.
02 6285 3100 | embracementalhealth.org.au
Support After Suicide: Support for the bereaved.
03 9421 7640 | supportaftersuicide.org.au
Beyond Blue: Support and resources for anxiety, depression and suicide prevention.
1300 22 4636 | beyondblue.org.au
ReachOut: Online resource for young people and their parents.
reachout.com
APS: Find a psychologist in your area.
1800 333 497 | psychology.org.au
Virtual Psychologist: 24/7 online chat, phone, text, email psychologist service for farmers and rural Australians.
Call: 0404 032 249 | Text: 0488 807 266 | virtualpsychologist.com.au/home
Lifeline Service Finder: Online map directory of health and community services.
lifeline.serviceseeker.com.au