September 2024 - R U OK? – SNDYS US

Each month, a different member of the SNDYS team has the privilege of choosing a charity that resonates deeply with them. We then contribute $1 from every sale to the cause they've selected.

This month, we decided to do things a little differently. September 12 is R U OK? Day and as a unified team, we collectively chose to support R U OK?, for the entire month of September, as they are a charity that holds special meaning for all of us.

Mental health is the foundation of our overall well-being, influencing how we think, feel, and interact with the world around us. Prioritising mental health empowers us to navigate life's challenges with resilience and clarity. By fostering a culture of mental well-being, we not only enhance our personal lives but also create more supportive and compassionate communities.

We asked R U OK to share some details and offer insights into their mission and the impact of their work.

What is the main purpose of R U OK?

R U OK? is a national suicide prevention charity and registered public health promotion that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times. We contribute to suicide prevention efforts by building the capacity of informal support networks – friends, family and colleagues - to be alert to those around them, have a conversation if they identify signs of distress and connect someone to appropriate support, long before they're in crisis.

How does R U OK? define mental health, and what role does your organisation play in supporting it?

We know that suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge the world over. One of the most well renowned theories behind preventing suicide is by Dr Thomas Joiner. 1

Following the suicide death of his father, Thomas has dedicated his research to try and answer the question, 'why?'. His theory tries to answer that complex question by describing three forces at play in someone at risk. One of these forces is a decreased sense of belonging.

It's this lack of belonging and sense of connection that we are working to prevent. By educating and encouraging people to take the time to ask, 'are you OK?' in a genuine authentic manner and listen to the reply with an open mind, we can help people struggling with life feel connected and supported long before they think about suicide. Social connections including regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life, are a protective factor against suicide. Asking, 'are you OK?' is a great place to start.

Our work is informed by many other experts in the field and contributes to an integrated nationwide approach to suicide prevention.

1 - Joiner, T.E. (2007) Why People Die By Suicide. Harvard University Press. USA.

What can the community do to get involved with R U OK? not only on September 12, but all year round?

There are so many ways to support R U OK? and share the message in your community. You could distribute our free conversation guides, organise a R U OK? sport round, display posters, host a fundraising challenge, give a presentation about how to ask R U OK?, invite an R U OK? Community Ambassador to share their story or post about the R U OK? message on social media, just to name a few. We encourage people to organise activities and ask R U OK? any day, because life happens every day. Whatever you decide to do, make it meaningful and head to www.ruok.org.au for free tips and resources.

Can you share a success story where R U OK? made a difference in someone's life?

Every day we hear from Australians who share the impact that an R U OK? conversation has had on their life. Take Jacqui from QLD who shared her story of how a timely visit from a family friend changed her life. Or Nic from NSW who shared his story about how the support of others saved his life following the loss of his own brother to suicide. Or Ashleigh from VIC whose colleague noticed a change and initiated a conversation that changed their life. Whilst suicide is complex, we know that feelings of belonging and connection are a protective factor (Joiner, 2007) and that meaningful, genuine conversations do make a difference.

What inspired the creation of R U OK? Day?

R U OK? was founded by the late Gavin Larkin in 2009. He was hoping to protect others from experiencing the pain his family felt when his father died by suicide. Gavin believed a conversation could change a life and remained a passionate champion of that message even as cancer ended his life 2011.

R U OK? began as a national day of action, and R U OK? Day remains a significant date on the calendar when we highlight the role everyone can play in suicide prevention. But R U OK? has evolved to be so much more than one day of action because there are regular, meaningful conversations and activities taking place year-round in workplaces, schools and communities.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, it’s important to seek help. The information provided is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. In Australia, you can reach out to the following hotlines for immediate support: