Losing someone to suicide is such a devastating experience. There’s no chance to talk things through and work towards a solution. It’s an event that fills the rest of your life with so many ‘what if’ questions.
It’s heart breaking to think that some people believe that death by their own hand is a better alternative than continuing to live.
R U OK? is doing something about the tragedy of suicide. They believe that something as simple as a conversation can make a world of difference. That means that you and I can do something that may save someone’s life.
R U OK? is an organisation committed to the prevention of suicide. We want to inspire all Australians to recognise they can make an immediate impact on our country’s shockingly high suicide rate by simply connecting with their friends, colleagues and loved ones. A lack of connection is a major contributing cause of many social issues, particularly suicide.
Suicide claims the lives of more Australians each year than the road toll – over 2000 people every year (Source: ABS 2007 statistics). It is the biggest killer of men and women 15-35 years old. For every person who takes their own life, it is estimated that up to 10 people make an attempt. That means each year approximately 20,000 people are directly affected.
This Sunday has been named R U OK?Day. It’s a day that reminds us to stay connected to those around us and to make sure that those we love are doing OK in the journey of life.
R U OK?Day will be held on November 29th, 2009. It is an annual national day of action that aims to get Australians, right across the entire spectrum of society, connecting with friends and loved ones, by reaching out to anyone doing it tough and simply asking: “Are you ok?”
Why start a conversation? Research shows talking about suicide with someone at risk actually reduces the chances of them taking their life. It is the one thing we can all do to make a real difference. R U OK?Day is about prevention, preventing little problems turning into big problems. So it is not just about asking those at immediate risk.
Connection is a crucial part of general health and well being to help in coping with issues such as stressful life events, mental health problems, relationship breakdowns and bereavement.
While R U OK?Day is an Australian initiative, suicide is a world wide tragedy. Who will you reconnect with today? Who needs you to ask if they’re OK today?
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I lost a brother to suicide. It has been about 4 years now. One thing that I am thankful for is that we did have the opportunity to talk beforehand. Even though he still took his life (mostly because of an addiction that he felt he could not overcome), it at least left me with the knowledge that he knew he was loved and had someone to go to if that is what he wanted.
If you are contemplating suicide, know that it affects more than just you. My kids never will understand why their uncle took his life, but they will always know that he did.