R U Ok? Day is a national suicide prevention initiative developed in 2009 that encourages us to take action and ask ‘Are you ok?’ to anyone who might be struggling with life. This year, R U OK? day is on Thursday 10th September 2020.
Statistics prior to the current coronavirus pandemic show that over 3,000 Australians die from suicide each year, equating to more than 8 Australians a day. So far, 2020 has been a particularly challenging and difficult year for many. COVID-19 has had a huge impact on the way most of us live our lives, whether it is not being able to leave the house, not being able to see loved ones, losing income or financial security, or our sense of freedom.
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, the impact of COVID-19 on suicide risk, and how you can help this R U OK? Day.
With the unwavering challenges presented by COVID-19, acknowledgement of this year’s R U OK? Day seems more important than ever. Acacia is proud offer free webinars throughout the day, and we encourage you and your peers to participate.
Session One
Date: Thursday 10th September
Time: 10:00 AM (Brisbane)
Topic: R U OK? Day
Link: Register Online
Session Two
Date: Thursday 10th September
Time: 12:00 PM (Brisbane)
Topic: R U OK? Day
Link: Register Online
Session Three
Date: Thursday 10th September
Time: 14:00 PM (Brisbane)
Topic: R U OK? Day
Link: Register Online
Over 2.1 million Australians have suicidal thoughts at some point in their life, with over 600,000 making a suicide plan and over 500,000 attempting suicide. Suicidal thoughts do not necessarily lead to suicide, but often they can become more frequent and intense over time if left unaddressed.
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 and often suicidal thoughts arise due to a combination of inter-related factors such as stressful life events, mental illness, grief and loss, financial stress, trauma exposure, physical illness and/or genetics.
The uncertainty around COVID-19 has led to many people feeling helpless and hopeless about life and the future. Being stuck at home with less distractions and less ability to do the things that we love can result in feelings of isolation, disconnection from the world and low mood. This can lead to more opportunity for suicidal thoughts to arise.
Research is emerging showing the significant impact COVID-19 is having on mental health. A recent study led by the University of New South Wales and the Black Dog Institute found that 78% of 5,000 Australians studied reported that their mental health had become worse since the start of the pandemic.
In addition, research from the Brain and Mind Centre predicts that there will be a 25-50% increase in suicides over the next five years.
Have a look around you at the people in your life and consider whether there have been any changes to their behaviour lately that might give you the indication they are not ok. Look out for changes in their physical appearance. Changes in their mood. Changes in their behaviour. Or changes in how they are expressing their thoughts.
Are they displaying any of the following warning signs?
Despite the worrying statistics around suicide, it is possible to prevent suicide. Suicidal thoughts are linked to feelings of disconnection, isolation and feeling unsupported. Therefore, by simply asking how people are and offering your support, you can help combat these 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 a conversation, ensure you are ready, prepared and pick your moment. Ensure you are in a good headspace to engage in the conversation and have time available. Be prepared by understanding that if you ask how someone is going, the answer could be that they are not ok. Remember that you do not need to fix someone’s problems or have all the answers. And pick your moment to ensure you have chosen a relatively private space, that suits them as well as you.
Ask R U Ok?
If they don’t want to talk, don’t criticise them and avoid confrontation of forcing them to engage in a conversation with you. Confirm that you are concerned about the changes you’ve noticed and that you care about them. You could say “Please call me if you ever want to chat”, or “Is there someone else you’d rather talk to?”
Listen without judgement, and with an open mind. Show them that they are supported and take what they say seriously.
Help them find strategies to better manage the load. Remember that 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.
Staying in touch and following up shows genuine care and concern and can make a real difference.
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