By Wilma Acosta and Maysam Najjar
A warning for readers that there will be themes of mental health and suicide mentioned in this article.
R U Okay? is a day dedicated to national suicide prevention, and exists to foster connection amongst one another. It falls on Thursday, September 14, this year and is a registered public health promotion which encourages people to stay connected and to have those difficult conversations.
Many of us tend to get caught up in the rush and routine of our day-to-day lives, and time passes so quickly that more difficult topics become increasingly easier to avoid.
It becomes so important to push past the oppressive fog that often obscures deeper connections, and to take a moment to reflect on the various personal anxieties and stresses that those around us may be suffering from.
Aim to ask “are you okay?” every day.
Taking an interest in the wellbeing of people you care about is crucial because, as a collective, we should be able to rely on support from one another.
As a help giver, listening without judgement encourages people that you are providing support for to share honestly. It also helps cultivate a community where people feel empowered to advocate for their own needs and access support.
Creating informal support networks, whether it be family, friends or colleagues, is a big theme this year.
TAFE Ultimo will be holding all R U Okay Day events on Wednesday, September 11.
There will be:
• A live outside broadcast on campus near the main entrance off Harris Street
• Mindful activities such as colouring, meditation and fun games
• Free sausage sizzle and Red Bull
• Information about how to access mental health support on campus
R U Okay Day began in 2009, founded by Gavin Larkin after the death of his father some years prior. Feeling that there needed to be change surrounding public views on suicide, Larkin decided to create a campaign.
Larkin collaborated with director Janina Nearn to create a documentary to raise awareness about suicide by championing the question “are you okay?”.
Out of that sprung a further need to change stigmas and information surrounding suicide. Now once every year R U Okay Day is held with the aim of fostering important conversations about mental health, because communication is the first step to getting proper help.
For Larken’s incredible story, we suggest you watch the Australian Story episode Beyond OK.
Mental Health Helplines
If you or someone you know is in crisis and needs help now, call triple zero (000). You can also call Lifeline on 13 11 14 — 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
For people who need support with depression, anxiety or suicidal thoughts:
• Lifeline provides 24-hour crisis counselling, support groups and suicide prevention services. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online.
• Suicide Call Back Service provides 24/7 support if you or someone you know is feeling suicidal. Call 1300 659 467.
• Beyond Blue aims to increase awareness of depression and anxiety and reduce stigma. If you or a loved one needs help, you can call 1300 22 4636 24 hours/7 days a week or chat online.
• MindSpot is a free telephone and online service for people with anxiety, stress, low mood or depression. It provides online assessment and treatment for anxiety and depression. MindSpot is not an emergency or instant response service. Call 1800 61 44 34.
• Head to Health gives advice and will connect you to local mental health services. Call 1800 595 212.
• MensLine Australia is a professional telephone and online counselling service offering support to Australian men. Call 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours/7 days or chat online.
If you’re feeling lonely:
• FriendLine supports anyone who’s feeling lonely, needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. You can call them 7 days a week on 1800 424 287, or chat online with one of their trained volunteers. All conversations with FriendLine are anonymous.
Featured image: The theme of R U OK Day this year is checking in regularly. Picture: R U Okay Day
