So, R U OKAY?

Today (Thursday, September 10) is national R U OKAY? Day – a day on which everyone is encouraged to get in touch with a colleague, friend or family member and see how they're doing.

The road freight industry can be a tough game, with drivers in particular subject to long hours on the road and the isolation and potential social dislocation that can entail. Add to that the COVID-19 turmoil thrown up in 2020 and its resulting economic fallout, and it's now more important than ever that we pause for a moment to see how our mates and loved ones are doing.

Some people have lost their jobs and are dealing with all the stress and financial worries that go along with that. And some may find they're being asked to work harder and longer than ever, perhaps with the worry of potential job loss hanging over them. But no-one's been immune to the general upheaval and widespread disruption that has rippled throughout Australia in 2020, and indeed the wider world.

R U OKAY? is a non-profit suicide prevention and awareness organisation that was founded in 2009 by Gavin Larkin, as he sought to spare others the pain he and his family experienced following the suicide of his father in 1995. What began with a TV documentary produced with Janina Nearn soon ballooned into a full-blown movement that continues to this day.

According to Black Dog Institute, every year over 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt, and in 2017 over 3000 Australians died by suicide. Suicide is also the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 44 years of age.

And nearly half of all Australians will experience a mental health issue during their lifetime, with one in five experiencing an issue in the past 12 months.

At the heart of R U OKAY? Day is the organisation's tag line, "A conversation could change a life." Maybe you know someone who's having a difficult time right now, or someone who just doesn't seem to be their usual self – they seem down, flat, or just haven't been in touch with anyone for a while.

They're all great reasons to stop by or pick up the phone and ask them how they're doing. And that simple gesture can make all the difference, starting a conversation that could help lift a weight from a mate's shoulders.

And if you're not sure how to start that conversation, or what to do or say if someone tells you they're really struggling, there's a wealth of resources available at the R U OKAY? website.

Related reading:
MaxiTRANS backs R U OKAY? again
NTI backs mental health initiative

The days of pushing mental health issues down and putting on a brave face are behind us (or at least they should be). There's no shame in admitting you're having a rough time, and no shame in asking for help. And there's absolutely no shame in checking in on a mate or loved one and asking, R U OKAY?

For immediate counselling support contact Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue's COVID-19 mental wellbeing support line on 1800 512 348.