Lifestyle
What is R U OK day?
Sep
Suicide is a complicated situation where a person’s demise is frequently caused by a number of risk factors – lifestyle, mental health, or a chronic illness. At least one risk factor was documented for more than 90% of suicide deaths, and each person had an average of three to four risk factors. The main risk elements were:
- Mood disorders such as stress and depression
- Acute usage of psychoactive substances and intoxication with them
- Suicidal thoughts
- Spousal relationship issues
- Disordered long-term use of psychotropic substances
However, this year, Covid-19-related lifestyle demands, psychological anguish, and loneliness have added another unsettling layer. There are worries that the suicide rate may rise or has already increased while a sizable area of the country is subject to stay-at-home restrictions to stop the spread of Covid-19.
Reaching out for support
In Australia, suicide is the leading cause of death for people ages 15 to 44. Furthermore, it has a devastating effect on families, friends, and entire communities. As per survey, 8.6 Australians die from suicide every day of which 75% are male.
If you or your loved one you know needs assistance, there are communities like R U OK? that encourage and enable individuals to actively interact with persons in their community and offer assistance when they are experiencing life difficulties.
About R U OK?
The Hon. Nicola Roxon MP, the then-minister of health, introduced R U OK? in Canberra in August 2009. It is a harm reduction organisation that uses health advocacy to promote discourse and aid those going through challenging moments in their lives.
It invites people to offer such people a shoulder to cry on. By encouraging interpersonal relationships and enhancing the ability of informal support networks, such as friends, family, and coworkers, to be aware of those around them and be able to recognise signals of distress or struggle, the group even helps prevent suicide.
R U OK? offers free materials that boost Australians’ confidence and desire to spot symptoms of trouble, engage in honest discussion, and offer helpful support. Additionally, R U OK? adapts these materials to fit particular contexts and population-group needs.
Previously, the organisation R U OK supported LGBT and a stunning float in the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. Additionally, by doing this, people are expressing their support for mental health and suicide prevention.
Goals of R U OK?
- Boost our ability to connect and inquire about the highs and lows of life.
- Develop our sense of obligation to frequently engage with and assist others
- Strengthen our sense of community because we are aware of people’s support
- Be powerful, relevant, and dynamic.
R U OK? will keep giving individuals the knowledge and assurance they need to assist those who could be experiencing life difficulties in the future.
R U OK?Day
Australian suicide prevention campaign R U OK? Thursday, September 8, 2021, is the day.
Every day is the day to ask, “Are you OK?,” and to start a meaningful conversation if you notice the indicators that someone you care about could be suffering with life, Australians are reminded on this national day of action.
Sign up to R U OK Day? and access a host of resources, including –
- Guide to Supporting R U OK?Day
- Conversation Guide
- Posters
- Social Media Tiles
- Digital Resources
- Activity Sheets
To assist you in bringing about real change in your workplace, school, and community, R U OK? has offered tools, advice, and ideas.
On R U OK? Day, Thursday, September 8, a free presentation will be broadcast online at noon (AEST). To watch the nationwide virtual event, you can register online. And don’t miss it!
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