R U confident enough to ask?

R U OK?Day, the national campaign to get people talking about mental health and wellbeing goes next week.

Set for Thursday, 12 September, organisers want to take the challenges out of asking people how they’re really doing and if they need help.

“We want to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life,” said CEO Katherine Newton.

Yet research commissioned by R U OK? found 41 percent of people surveyed hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew what someone in trouble might present like.

“Signs can be subtle changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour,” Ms Newton said.

“You might spot a love one is having unusual mood swings, changes in sleep, or a mate might be withdrawing from social situations like not turning up to sport training.”

The research also showed that once people knew what to look for, just under half would be more confident in asking someone else about their mental health and wellbeing.

“This R U OK?Day, we want to empower people to trust their gut instinct and ask the question as soon as they spot the signs that someone might be struggling with life,” Ms Newton said.

“We should also make a conscious effort to reach out to someone going through a significant life change such as job loss, relationship breakdown, study pressure or perhaps becoming a parent.”

If you or someone you know needs help, you can call Lifeline on 13 11 14, or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.