Make a difference this Sunday and ask R U OK?

This Sunday, SANE is urging Australians to connect with family, friends and acquaintances and ask ‘are you OK?’ in a bid to improve mental health, reduce social isolation and prevent suicide. R U OK? Day is this Sunday 29 November 2009.

SANE Australia research has found that 90 per cent of people with a mental illness consider social relationships important in helping to manage the effects of mental illness and maintain mental health, and almost half report they have no close friend with whom to discuss things.

SANE Australia Executive Director Barbara Hocking says, "Personal connections play a key role not only in maintaining everyone’s mental health, but they also aid recovery for people with mental illness. When someone has a mental health problem or is having suicidal thoughts, talking about it can be the first step in getting help."

"R U OK? Day is a chance for all Australians to show family, friends and acquaintances who may be doing it tough that people care and are there to help," said R U OK? Day founder Gavin Larkin. "A single conversation could change a life and, therefore, the best thing anyone can do for someone at risk is to engage them in a conversation about it."

Family, friends or acquaintances make up 40% of calls to SANE’s Helpline. Ms Hocking says, "Australians have a proud tradition of looking out for one another but unfortunately, people sometimes feel embarrassed about starting the conversation or worry that they’ll make things worse. There is no harm in asking, ‘Are you okay?’ In fact, there’s every chance that your concern will encourage the person to take the first step to get the help they need. Sunday provides the perfect opportunity to connect with those around you."

(Source: SANE Australia: November 2009)