What R U OK? is about | R U OK?

RU OK Day was launched in 2009 by Gavin Larkin, following the suicide of his father Barry Larkin in 1995. Gavin Larkin chose to focus on one question to honour his father and to try and protect other families from the pain his endured: 'Are you OK?'.
Since its inception R U OK? has helped change the national conversation about mental health and suicide prevention. However, more needs to be done to prevent suicide.

Research undertaken In Australia in 2022 reports that 1 in 5 people (aged between 16-85 yrs) in any one year will experience a mental illness. Therefore, it is very likely that people in your community (family, friends, colleagues) may be suffering a mental illness. 

Many people with a mental illness do not seek help (estimated at 50%); this is due to various reasons, including the stigma around mental illness. By normalising discussion about mental illness, we can help reduce the stigma attached to it and encourage those who are suffering to seek help.

Suicide is the leading cause of death for 15-44 year olds in Australia. These avoidable deaths could be reduced by early intervention, with greater awareness and support in the community.

You may be able to help someone simply by talking to them and encouraging them to seek help. 

Key statistics
(National Study of Mental Health and Wellbeing, 2020-2022 | Australian Bureau of Statistics)

•  42.9% of people aged 16–85 years had experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life
• 21.5% of people had a 12-month mental disorder, with Anxiety being the most common group (17.2% of people aged 16–85 years)
• 38.8% of people aged 16–24 years had a 12-month mental disorder

In 2022, Suicide was the 15th leading cause of death in Australia.
In 2022, there were 3249 deaths by suicide in Australia (2455 males and 794 females) 


Where to find support?

Encourage anyone who is going through a tough time to seek help, below are some suggested resources:

• Your local GP or Medical Centre, or other health professional
• Your company’s Employee Assistance Partner (EAP): most companies will have an EAP, check on your companies webpage or ask your HR team.
• Lifeline on 13 11 14 (for crisis support and suicide prevention services)
• Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 (for support with anxiety, depression and mental health crises)
• The Samaritans 13 52 47
• Suicide call back service 1300 659 467 (for counselling for people affected by suicide)
• Headspace 1800 850 890
• NSW Mental Health Line 1800 011 511 (Links people with NSW Health mental health services)
  

Article by Karen Bailey, BNP Paribas L&D