More than four in five people who engaged in a meaningful conversation felt better about managing their situation after talking it through and feeling supported, heard, and safe during the conversation.

However, the research also found that when asked if they were OK, two in five people (38 per cent) who said they were OK actually were not OK.  Respondents say the important factors to encourage an honest conversation are:

•              Trust: they need to know the person they speak to is someone they trust, and, for many, someone they are close to 

•              Authenticity: they want to know the person asking them genuinely wants to hear answer

•              Environment: people would prefer to have these conversations in a relatively private space with enough time to share what they want to say.

Two months out from R U OK? Day on 14 September, R U OK? are calling on Australians to let the people they care about know; “I’m here to hear”, every day of the year.

RUOK? CEO Katherine Newton says people need to ask this question – and mean it.

“If you really care and want to hear an honest answer, be genuine with your ask, make space to listen and let the person know you’re sticking around for whatever comes next,” Ms Newton says.

“We know the positive impact an R U OK? conversation have when people know and trust each other. This usually means that trust has been built over time, they’re familiar with each other’s routines and behaviours, and they likely know what’s going on in each other’s lives. This trust, along with consideration of the where and when a conversation will take place contributes to making an R U OK? conversation truly meaningful.”

Suicide Prevention Australia’s June 2023 Community Tracker reveals two in five Australians know someone who has died by or attempted suicide in the past 12 months, a 13 per cent increase from 2021. For the fourth quarter running, cost-of-living and personal debt remained the number one issue driving distress.

 You can find free resources at ruok.org.au to help you know when and how to ask, ‘Are you OK?’ in your workplace, school and community and plan your R U OK? Day 2023 activities.

For support at any time of day or night, Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support. Call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or chat online at: lifeline.org.au.

13YARN is a free 24/7 service offering crisis support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people. Call 13YARN (13 92 76).