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R U OK? Day is a national suicide prevention initiative developed in 2009 that encourages us to act and ask, “Are you okay?” to anyone who might be struggling with life. This year, we are all being encouraged to ask: “Are they really okay?”
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, over 3,000 Australians die from suicide each year, whilst 65,000 Australians will make a suicide attempt.
More than ever, it is vital to be able to spot signs of suicide risk and engage in meaningful conversations to safely support those who are struggling. Therefore, this month we will look at what suicidal thoughts are and how you can help.
Understanding Suicide
What are Suicidal Thoughts?
Suicidal thoughts are thoughts a person has about wanting to end their life. These thoughts include consideration of suicide or planning.
Suicidal thoughts can include thoughts such as:
What Causes Someone to have Suicidal Thoughts?
There is not one cause of suicide, but it always begins with a thought. Suicidal behaviour is incredibly complex; often suicidal thoughts arise due to a combination of interrelated factors. These may include stressful life events, mental illness, grief and loss, financial stress, trauma exposure, physical illness, or genetics.
Have a look around you at the people in your life and consider whether they have experienced any changes that might give you the indication they are not okay. Look out for changes in their physical appearance, mood, behaviour, and thoughts. Ask yourself if they are displaying any of the following warning signs:
How Can I Help? Four Steps to Follow this R U OK? Day
Despite the worrying statistics around suicide, it is possible to prevent suicide. By simply asking how people are and offering your support, you can help combat feelings of isolation for others and help guide them to appropriate help.
R U OK? Day promotes four conversation steps to give you the skills and confidence to navigate a conversation with someone you are worried about. Before starting, ensure you are in a good headspace to engage in the conversation, and that you have time available. It’s also important to remember that if you ask how someone is going, the answer may be that they are not okay.
Step 1: Ask R U OK?
If they don’t want to talk, avoid forcing them to engage in a conversation. Confirm that you are concerned about the changes you have noticed and that you care about them.
Step 2: Listen
Step 3: Encourage Action
Help them find strategies to better manage their load. Remember, you do not need to have all the answers, but encourage them to seek the support they need. Be positive about the role of professionals in supporting us through tough times. If they’ve been feeling really down for more than 2 weeks, encourage them to see a health professional.
Step 4: Check-in
Staying in touch and following up shows genuine care and concern, and can make a real difference. Pop a reminder in your diary to call them in a few days, or a week or two. You could say: “I’ve been thinking of you and wanted to know how you’ve been going”. Ask if they have found a better way to manage the situation. If they have not done anything, don’t judge them; they might just need someone to listen to them for the moment.
Additional Resources
How to Practice and Get Tips
R U OK? have released resources that you and your workplace can use daily, in various settings. Further details on these initiatives and resources can be found on their website.
Where to Find Help
This R U OK? Day, reach out to someone you haven’t spoken to and check in with how they are. You never know the difference it can make. If you are concerned about another you can:
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