R U OK Day is here tomorrow. The day that we are all encouraged to ask friends and colleagues if they are OK. And to take the time to listen to their answer. So do it. Go for a coffee, a walk, whatever, and have a chat with someone who needs a shoulder to lean on and a listening ear. You’ll make their day. You may never know how much you helped them out.
With suicide the 10th leading cause of death in Australia, we owe it to ourselves and to each other to do something about it. For other leading causes of death, like heart disease, we can make healthier choices to improve the odds. So when it comes to suicide, we need to start making emotionally healthy choices.
It’s the little things, like finishing work on time and snatching mini-moments of peace & quiet. Recharging our batteries with fresh air, good food and plenty of exercise. Keeping a day in your diary completely free. These habits will build up our personal strength and stamina. Which makes us less prone to breaking down. And far more capable of helping others who need our support.
As a friend often says, we can’t give from an empty bucket. So fill your bucket up today and use it to support a friend tomorrow, on R U OK? Day. And if you really want to make a difference? Aim to have a meaningful conversation with someone new each day.
If you or someone you care about is at risk of suicide, call the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 ore register for online counselling. They’re here to help.
