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R U OK? Day preventing suicide

Suicide is the biggest killer of men under the age of 44, while eight people taking their lives in Australia each day, 65,000 attempt suicide each year.

R U OK? plays an important role in tackling this issue and helping all Australians play a role in stopping feelings of loneliness and isolation among family members, friends and workmates by staying connected and having regular, meaningful conversations.

The organisation’s aim is to help reduce the stigma around mental illness and suicide, as well as increase the likelihood that people will access professional support when they need it.

Prevention and early intervention is promoted, based on the work of US academic, Dr Thomas Joiner. After his father took his own life, Dr Joiner dedicated his research to try and answer the question ‘Why?’

His theory addresses the complex question by describing three forces at play in someone at risk.

The first is that the person thinks they’re a burden on others, the second is that they can withstand a high degree of pain, and the third is they don’t feel connected to others.

R U OK? places an emphasis on the power of connection, inspiring people to take the time to ask “Are you ok?” and listen. People struggling with life feel connected long before they even think about suicide.

It all comes down to regular, face-to-face, meaningful conversations about life.

R U OK? Day is this Thursday 8 September. For more information visit the R U OK? website.

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