R U OK? Day | Why checking in matters

At Suncorp we encourage our people to start conversations. We want our people to have meaningful connections with their community and feel comfortable asking this simple yet important question.

Now in its eleventh year, R U OK? Day is the leading not-for-profit organisation advocating for suicide prevention in Australia, and while checking in with the people in your circle shouldn’t be limited to just one day a year, it shines an important light on mental health issues in Australia.

Research from Beyond Blue shows that around 45% of Australians will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime, with more than 1 million individuals suffering from depression and a further 2 million from anxiety.

As well as helping remove the stigma surrounding mental health awareness while helping individuals feel more comfortable talking to others, R U OK? Day is a timely reminder to check in with those around you; be it a family member, close friend, colleague or neighbour and start the conversation.

Here are four steps to having a meaningful conversation with someone who might be struggling.

1. Ask – “are you okay?” Pick a comfortable, quiet place, at the right time, to check in
2. Listen – even though you might not have the answers, you can always listen with intent
3. Encourage Action – during the conversation, help think of next steps to help manage the situation, such as speaking to family or friends, a GP or professional.
4. Check In – a few days later, have a follow up conversation to show you’re there and you still care.

Remember, you don’t need to be an expert to reach out, just a good listener. Because when we’re connected we’re more protected.

Helpful resources

If you, or anyone you know, needs help, advise is available 24/7:

Lifeline: 13 11 14

BeyondBlue: 1300 224 636 

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 

Kids Helpline: 1800 551 800 

Headspace: 1800 650 890 QLife: 1800 184 527