A day to ask R U OK?
R U OK? Day is an annual event held in September dedicated to reminding people just to check in on their family, friends and colleagues by asking the simple question of, “R U OK?” Asking in a thoughtful and meaningful way is one thing everyone can do to make a difference to anyone who might be suffering. It opens up a line of dialogue with your friend, colleague or family member and allows them an opportunity to have a chat if they are struggling with something and may not be able to open up or ask for help themselves.
Founded by Australian Gavin Larkin in 2009 after losing his father to mental illness, R U OK? is a not-for-profit suicide prevention organization who’s main goal is to shine a spotlight on the link between mental illness and suicide and aims to help those suffering in silence, by getting you to ask the simple question to your colleague, friend or family member – R U OK?
It is estimated that 65,000 Australians make a suicide attempt, with an average of 2,320 people taking their own life every year. In fact, around 45 per cent of Australians will experience some form of mental illness in their lifetime, while 20 per cent are affected every year. Mental illness can affect most of us even if it goes undiagnosed and it can manifest in many different forms; depression, anxiety, panic attacks, low self-esteem, feeling blue. It’s really important that we use this day as a reminder to ask the question R U OK? and to be mindful of our family, friends and colleagues who may not be OK.
Fort Knox Self storage is an active participant in R U OK Day. Each of our sites will be hosting a morning tea and wristbands, posters and stickers have been put up and handed out across all our sites. During the morning teas we will be talking about issues to do with mental health, having some healthy conversations and will be taking time to ask R U OK? this Thursday, 10th of September.
For more information on R U OK? you can visit the website http://yourstruly.org.au/#/story and if you or someone you know is experiencing a tough time, Lifeline is another great organization helping those in need: https://www.lifeline.org.au as too is Beyond Blue: https://www.beyondblue.org.au