Day seeks to ask important question

R U Ok? Day is coming up and the event organisers are calling on Australians to let their loved ones they are here to listen.

Research has indicated that more than four in five people feel better about overcoming challenges when they have had a meaningful conversation about them, and felt supported, heard, and safe.

The research also suggested that 38 per cent of people who said they were okay when asked, were not.

To help with conversations, R U Ok? Day is seeking to foster a message trust and authenticity and, guide conversations in safe environments.

“You need to ask this question because you mean it,” said R U Ok? Day CEO Katherine Newton.

“If you really care and want to hear an honest answer, be genuine with your ask, make space to listen and let the person know you’re sticking around for whatever comes next.”

The 2023 tracker by Suicide Prevention Australia showed that two in five Australians know someone who has died by or attempted suicide in the last year.

“In recent years there has been a lot for Australians to deal with,” said Ms Newton.

“Many are still feeling the impact of natural disasters and the pandemic, while the cost-of-living increases are adding more stress on those who might already be struggling to manage.”

Ms Newton encouraged the community to start open conversations.

“There is a natural tendency for us to want to move on as new events capture focus and we resume our usual routines,” she said.

“That’s why it’s important for us to recognise that the people we really care about may be feeling ongoing effects, long after something has happened to them, and to let them know we’re still here to really hear.”

R U Ok? Day is set for 15 September.