This Thursday marks R U OK? Day, an annual reminder to check in on the people around you.
Each year, an estimated 65,000 Australians attempt suicide, and over 10 million Australian adults know someone who has died by suicide.
A 2022 survey by the Australian Treasury highlighted that small business owners experience high levels of mental ill-health, with just over one in five respondents having been diagnosed with a mental health condition by a doctor or health professional in recent months.
R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered health promotion organisation. It encourages people to stay connected and engage in conversations that can help others through difficult times.
The charity’s work focuses on empowering help-givers — the people who can have meaningful conversations with someone struggling in life.
R U OK? contributes to suicide prevention by encouraging people to invest more time in their personal relationships and build the capacity of informal support networks — friends, family, and colleagues — to be alert to signs of distress or difficulty.
The aim is to foster conversations and connect individuals to appropriate support long before they reach crisis point.
This Thursday, we encourage business leaders to take time to talk to their staff. Even scheduling some time during one-to-one meetings to check in personally can make a difference.
This doesn’t need to be confined to the workplace — reach out to colleagues running businesses, check in with them, and encourage them to do the same with their teams.
The sooner you allow someone to open up, the sooner they can access the support they need, whether it be professional help or a listening ear. By doing this, you increase the chances of preventing small problems from becoming larger ones.
If someone isn’t OK, be prepared for their response. Sometimes a simple conversation can make a big difference, while at other times, expert help may be necessary.
If someone in your workplace needs professional support, encourage them to contact their doctor, local health centre, or a professional immediate support service.
Lifeline – Call 13 11 14
Beyond Blue – 1300 224 636
Suicide Callback Service – 1300 659 467
