R U OK? What is RUOK Day?

Sometimes it is a great idea to borrow something meaningful from another country (Australia) and another website. See the post here. http://www.giftsofserendipity.com/2011/09/conversation-that-could-change-life.html

In a roundabout way, I ended up on the blog Gifts of Serendipity. Stop by and say hi at
http://www.giftsofserendipity.com
I had not heard of R U OK day, a day of reaching out and trying to help someone just by asking R U OK. Are you okay?

Simple and easy. Ask a hundred times and 99 people might say they are fine. But one may say they need help. Men are 4 times more likely to commit suicide then woman because we have stoic tendencies and hold back feelings, feelings can be seen as a sign of weakness.

 Women have more of a sharing and giving nature. Also, for the most part, don't believe in such silliness. Now their day has passed, the national day anyway. But everyday is a day of possibilities. I copied and pasted the home page of R U OK, but there is much more to see. Click on the title to get there. Thanks to Felicity for her wonderful post!

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What is R U OK?Day?

Thursday 15 September, 2011

Thursday 15 September, 2011 is R U OK?Day. It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.

On that day we want everyone across the country, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to ask family, friends and colleagues: "Are you OK?".

Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.

It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.

R U OK?Day in 2010

R U OK?Day - the story so far

R U OK? Day enjoyed tremendous success in its inaugural year in 2009.

More than 1 million Australians took part in R U OK? conversations and independent research tells us that over 650,000 conversations took place as a result of R U OK?Day (AMR Interactive, 2009). Moreover, 280 workplaces participated in the workplace initiative.

In 2010, R U OK?Day generated more than 2 million conversations (AMR Interactive, 2010) and over 700 organisations took place in the R U OK? at Work initiative, including Commonwealth Bank, Rio Tinto, Queensland Police and Centacare.

In 2011, we aim to get even more Australians involved and connected.

2009 TVC Video

R U OK? - the organisation

R U OK? is an independent, not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to provide national focus and leadership on suicide prevention by empowering Australians to have open and honest conversations and stay connected with people in their lives.

More than 2,100 Australians suicide each year and men are around four times more likely to die by suicide than females. For each person that dies in this way, another 30 attempt to end their life (Lifeline).

R U OK? aims to inspire all Australians to help reduce our suicide rate by reaching out and making contact with others.

Most people don't openly share their feelings, particularly when they're struggling so don't wait for a sign and trust your instincts. A conversation could change a life.

The best thing we can all do is regularly ask the people we care about: "Are you OK?" regardless of whether they are at risk because connection is good for us all.

Read our R U OK? policy guide

R U OK? - the inspiration

We were inspired to initiate R U OK? by the death of Barry Larkin.

Barry Larkin (1940 – 1995) was a fascinating and successful business management consultant who sadly took his own life.

R U OK? is dedicated to Baz, and all those in Australia and around the world who have died through suicide, and to the family and friends who loved them.

How can I help others?