Australians are being encouraged to move from simply recognising the R U OK? message to feeling confident enough to start a conversation when they are concerned about someone.
R U OK? Day was held on Thursday 10 September, with this year’s message, “If you’re thinking it, Ask R U OK? Any Day”, encouraging people to check in with friends, family, colleagues and others in their communities.
Research cited by R U OK? found that nine in 10 Australians are aware of the organisation. However, the charity says awareness alone does not necessarily lead people to start conversations, with some still worried about saying the wrong thing or unsure about how to respond.
R U OK? CEO Lachlan Searle said the focus was now on building people’s confidence to act when someone is on their mind.
“Awareness matters because it helps create a shared understanding that reaching out to someone you’re concerned about is a positive thing to do,” Mr Searle said.
“But awareness is only the beginning.”
He encouraged Australians to ask the question, listen without judgement, encourage appropriate action where needed and check back in with the person.
Research published in the International Journal of Mental Health Systems found that people exposed to the R U OK? campaign were up to six times more likely to reach out to someone experiencing personal difficulties than those who had not been exposed to it.
R U OK? research cited in the campaign also found that nine in 10 people who had been asked “are you OK?” reported feeling supported and positive about the experience.
R U OK? Ambassador Allison Langdon said attitudes towards conversations about mental health and suicide had changed since founder Gavin Larkin first introduced the idea.
“When Gav first shared the idea, we were living in a very different Australia,” Ms Langdon said. “There was still a great deal of stigma, and many people worried that talking about mental health and suicide might make things worse.”
She said conversations needed to be approached safely and responsibly, while encouraging people to notice changes in those around them and trust their instincts when deciding whether to check in.
For Maryanne Larkin, wife of the late Gavin Larkin and one of the original champions of the R U OK? message, the impact of the campaign is reflected in everyday interactions.
She pointed to examples such as a neighbour checking in, a colleague noticing a change in someone’s behaviour, a friend sending a message or a family member making time to talk.
R U OK? Day is held annually on the second Thursday of September. The charity also provides free resources throughout the year to help Australians recognise when someone may be struggling, start a conversation and offer appropriate support.
The organisation was founded in 2009 by Gavin Larkin, who wanted to encourage people to reach out to those they cared about after experiencing the impact of suicide in his own family.
R U OK? says the message is intended to continue beyond the annual day of action, encouraging people to make checking in and staying connected part of everyday life.
Conversation guidance and support contacts are available through R U OK?’s website.
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