Why do we need to wait for R U OK? Day in September to connect with our family and friends. Shouldn't every day be R U OK? Day? On average, eight people a day die by suicide in Australia. For every one death, thirty other people will attempt to take their life.
Research has shown that when the following three factors combine, it increases one's risk of suicide:
- Feeling isolated or disconnected from others.
- The belief that they are a burden on others or society.
- Having a means to take their life.
The message of R U OK? is quite simple, everyone can invest more time building strong relationships with the people around them. These connections will allow us to see the signs of someone who is struggling, and we will be better placed to start a conversation with them.
Isolation during lockdown makes the task of knowing if someone is struggling much harder. For example, I recently saw someone struggling in an online meeting and made a point of ringing the next day to check in on him. He appreciated the fact that I made the call.
It doesn't take much, so let's not wait until September and make every day R U OK? Day.