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R U OK?’s role in tackling the heart-breaking issue of suicide prevention is to help all Aussies play a role in stopping feelings of loneliness and isolation among family members, friends and workmates by staying connected and having regular, meaningful conversations. It’s also their aim to help reduce the stigma around mental illness and suicide, as well as increase the likelihood that people will access professional support as soon as it’s needed.

They're all about prevention and early intervention. They base their approach on the work of United
States academic, Dr Thomas Joiner. After his father took his own life, Thomas has dedicated his research to try and answer that question “Why?” His theory tries to answer that complex question by describing three forces at play in someone at risk. The first force is the person thinks they’re a burden on others; the second is that they can withstand a high degree of pain; and the third is they don’t feel connected to others.

This third force is why R U OK? places such a big emphasis on the power of connection. By inspiring people to take the time to ask “Are you OK?” and listen, we can help people struggling with life feel  connected long before they even think about suicide. It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life.

YOU'VE GOT WHAT IT TAKES!

• We can all make a difference to anyone who’s struggling by having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs
• If your gut says something’s up with someone you know, take the time to ask them how they’re going
• You don’t have to be an expert to have a caring, meaningful conversation
• Once you ask them “Are you OK?”, listen without judgement, encourage action and make sure you check in with them again soon
• You don’t have to fix their problem or take away their pain, you just need to help them feel supported and show you really care by carefully listening to them.