Today is R U OK? Day. A day when we take time to reach out and make connections, to start a conversation by simply asking someone ‘R U OK?’ in order.
R U OK? is a fantastic organisation that tries to tackle suicide prevention by helping all Aussies play a role in stopping feelings of loneliness and isolation among family members, friends and workmates by having regular, meaningful conversations. It’s also their aim to help reduce the stigma around mental illness and suicide, as well as increase the likelihood that people will access professional support as soon as it’s needed.
The statistics are shocking: about seven people take their own lives every day in Australia with 65,000 people attempting suicide each year. As such suicide is the biggest killer of Australians under 44 years and men account for around 75 per cent of all suicide deaths.
One of the reasons people attempt suicide is because they don’t feel connected to others and this is why R U OK? places such a big emphasis on the power of connection. By inspiring people to take the time to ask “Are you ok?” and listen, we can all help people struggling with life feel connected long before they even think about suicide. It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life.
We at Sydney Social 101 are all about making connections and will be making sure we reach out to out friends and families, work colleagues and team mates to ask after them, today and every day.’We would love you to join us!
Remember:
• We can all make a difference to anyone who’s struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life up’s and down’s
• If your gut says something’s up with someone you know, take the time to ask them how they’re going
• You don’t have to be an expert to have a caring, meaningful conversation
• Once you ask them “Are you ok?”, listen without judgement, encourage action and make sure you follow up with them again soon
• You don’t have to fix their problem or take away their pain, you just need to help them feel supported and show you really care by carefully listening to them
• For more conversation tips, visit ruok.org
Do you or a loved one need help? Find help now.
R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to encouraging and empowering all people to ask “are you ok?” of anyone struggling with life. Our vision is a world where everyone is connected and is protected from suicide. Find out more: ruok.org.au
Picture credits:
Beach photo – Eugene Tan from Aquabumps
Others – RUOK? website
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