R U OK? – National Suicide Prevention Day.

Thursday, September 10th is National Suicide Prevention Day or R U OK? Day. It is a day to continue to bring awareness to mental illness, but most importantly it is a day to remind us, all of us, to reach out. To reach out to those around us, to check up on them, to remind them that we care. To reach out when we are struggling, to speak up. It is a day to remind us that it is okay to not be okay, it is okay to need help. RUOK is an organisation that aims to empower people to make meaningful connections and nurture open lines of communication, especially around a topic like suicide that can be difficult to talk about.

This year RUOK? Is focusing on what you can say after you say “R U OK?” 

When the people around you need help, you can do many things to help them, most importantly, listening without judgment and without trying to ‘fix’ whatever may be going on.

2020 is a more challenging year than most, as there is the current global pandemic that is affecting us all. Due to COVID 19, more and more people are experiencing anxiety, feelings of hopelessness, depression and isolation. We, as a society, thrive on connection, thrive on feeling involved, loved and cared for, and due to the need to keep our distance and remain apart, more people are finding it tough. 

Eview Group is a family built organisation that prides itself on family values, and that includes recognizing and advocating the need for mental health support and a strong community connection.

If you or someone you know is not okay, there is help, there are resources. Do not give up hope, we are in this together. 

Here are a few resources that may help.

Lifeline: 13 11 14 https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/get-immediate-support

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 https://kidshelpline.com.au/

RUOK.org.au has many more resources available as well

https://www.ruok.org.au/findhelp