R U OK?

Every second Thursday in Sept  is R U OK day, when Australians are encouraged to ask friends, family, workmates, etc if they're OK. It sounds like a simple thing but many people suffering depression and suicidal thoughts just don't get asked that. To know that someone really cares is a huge deal for them. Men are particularly prone to keeping how they feel to themselves, and I was surprised to learn that there are 33 suicides a day in Australia amongst men. This came in an email link, and is from the AMWU, of all places. The union even has an AMWU care line for it's members, where people can ring and talk in confidence to a counsellor, at 1800 206 316. 

 R U OK? Day is when all workers are being encouraged to reach out to their workmates, ask the question and be prepared to give some listening time to hear how those around you are really going in their lives at work and home. 

The day, every second Thursday each September, was started by Gavin Larkin in 2009 after the suicide death of his father Barry with the aim of encouraging people to be aware of the need to have regular, meaningful conversations with each other. 

Gavin Larkin himself died of cancer in 2011 but the non-profit R U OK Foundation he founded goes on. 

It has the backing of major mental health organisations and is particularly aimed at men, who make up the vast majority of suicide victims in Australia, at the tragic rate of 33 deaths every week. 

The day encourages people to try to understand mental health issues, to recognise some behavioural signs that people are not coping and to take the time to ask the question of friends, workmates and family; then listen. 

The R U OK? Website at www.ruokday.com also has useful advice on gently asking the question, starting up a conversation, listening without judging, encouraging the person to take action then following up with them. more