Ask the question and be here to hear this R U OK? Day

Research from R U OK? has underscored the impact a genuine conversation can have on someone who is struggling with life.

The research found more than four in five people who engaged in a meaningful conversation felt better about managing their situation having talked it through and felt supported, heard, and safe during the conversation.

However, the research also found two in five people (38 per cent) who said they were okay actually were not.

These respondents said important factors to encourage an honest conversation were:

• Trust – they need to know the person they speak to is someone they trust, and, for many, someone they are close to
• Authenticity – They want to know the person asking them genuinely wants to hear the answer, and
• Environment – People would prefer to have these conversations in a relatively private space with enough time to share what they want to say.

Two months out from R U OK? Day on September 14, R U OK? is calling on Australians to let the people they care about know “I’m here to hear”, every day of the year.

“You need to ask this question because you mean it. 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,” R U OK? chief executive officer Katherine Newton said.

 

“We know the positive impact an R U OK? conversation have when people know and trust each other. This usually means that trust has been built over time, they’re familiar with each other’s routines and behaviours, and they likely know what’s going on in each other’s lives.

“This trust, along with consideration of the where and when a conversation will take place contributes to making an R U OK? conversation truly meaningful.”

Suicide Prevention Australia’s June 2023 Community Tracker revealed two in five Australians know someone who has died by or attempted suicide in the past 12 months, a 13 per cent increase from 2021.

For the fourth quarter running, cost of living and personal debt remained the number one issue driving distress.

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

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

“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.”

For free resources at to help you know when and how to ask, ‘Are you okay?’ in your workplace, school and community and plan your R U OK? Day 2023 activities, head to ruok.org.au