Encouraging country men to reach out for help and support

hello • 1 May 2018

Interview with Jake Sinclair

Jake Sinclair is a country music singer and songwriter and also a strong advocate for the importance of reaching out for help if we're going through tough times.

A finalist at this year's Toyota Star Maker competition at Tamworth, Jake strongly believes in the work of R U OK? and the importance of engaging those around us in meaningful conversations.

Drawing on his own experiences with depression, he is particularly passionate about encouraging men living in rural and remote communities to get help if they need it.

"About five or six years ago I started to notice the signs of depression and anxiety, and a couple of years after that actually went to a GP to start the process of a mental health plan," Jake says. "For me, growing up in the country with a very sort of manly upbringing, I guess, those things aren't really talked about."

"The message that I'd like to help share is that it's actually very easy to do. I never realised how easy it was to book an appointment with a GP and sort out a mental health plan. I thought it would be a lot more complicated and involved."

Jake says men living in the country need to know that it's okay to seek some support if they're struggling, and that getting help is actually a sign of strength.

"With the country thing, it's sort of a stereotype or a stigma that we have to get rid of," he says. "It's not weak to speak out, it's not weak to look for help."

"if anything, I think it's a tough thing to do. It's one of the best things that you can do for yourself and those around you. The long-term benefits are amazing, so it's definitely worth doing."

Jake says we can all play a role in supporting those around us who we think might be struggling with their wellbeing.

"When you notice these signs, it's as simple as just saying, 'let's go for a beer or go for a fish', or just sitting down and actually asking your friends if they are okay", he says. "It sounds like a simple thing to do, and it's obviously not for a lot of people but it's definitely worth it."

"It's one of the things that I believe really saved my life. It was was two of my friends, that are still friends to this day, who just kept saying to me: you're not yourself, you're not okay, is there anything we can help with?"

"For the country guys especially, it's as simple as having a beer and a yack and just checking in with your mates, because sometimes, that's all it needs."

Jakes says his decision, with the support of his mates, to speak to a GP has changed his life.

"This year at Tamworth we played a show and I said to the crowd that six years ago I couldn't get out of bed," he says. "Now I'm standing here before you doing what I love and working hard."

"That all stemmed back to one meeting with a GP, and then working with a psychologist and good friends and people like R U OK? So, it's definitely worth it in the long run."

If you know someone who's doing it tough, why not make today the day you reach out to them, ask "Are you OK?" and start a conversation that could change a life? Learn how in our Mateship Manual.

Students reflect on meaningful connection through R U OK? National Student Art Competition

12 November 2025
Collages of life’s joys, portraits of loved ones, cultural celebrations, and reflections on the barriers to connection - the Creative Legends and Finalists of the R U OK? National Art Competition expressed creativity, vulnerability and individuality through their incredible artwork.
A montage of images of people in relationships

Why support matters when relationships end

30 October 2025
Relationships shape our lives so when any meaningful relationship ends, the loss can be deeply personal and painful. 

Announcement from the CEO, Katherine Newton

by Katherine Newton • 16 October 2025
After ten years of teamwork, partnerships, growth, and countless conversations, I will be stepping down as CEO from 1 December 2025. It has been an extraordinary privilege to contribute to the growth of this movement and to witness meaningful change before my eyes. Gavin Larkin founded R U OK? because he believed conversation has the power to change lives. One seemingly simple question, when asked with genuine intent and care, can start a meaningful and sometimes complex conversation. And that’s what Gavin wanted. For people to look beyond responses of “I’m fine” or “All good” and ask, “Are you really OK?”. The notion of going deeper with conversations, of asking a second time, of trusting our guts and moving past our hesitation - is being grasped and moving beyond one day to any day. Whilst saying “G’day how are you?” will always be a greeting - we can do more. When Gavin lost his father to suicide he wanted to try and protect other families from the pain his endured. He wanted to get people talking and having real chats about how they’re feeling with their mates, their family and their colleagues. In locker rooms, lunch rooms, and lounge rooms across the nation. But he approached it from a different angle. Gavin wanted all of us to have the confidence to support the people we care about who might be struggling with life. To make conversations a natural part of our behaviour, to openly show our signals of support. So as R U OK? generations continue to evolve, my chapter is coming to a close. How fortunate I am to have been part of the story. From hesitant glances during presentations in 2015 to queues of people waiting for a conversation in 2025. From yellow wigs in the office, to welcoming yellow-swathed Ambassadors to share their lived experience. From yellow coffee cups in a café, to yellow cars driving into communities nationwide. And yes, there’s been a few cupcakes along the way. Social change is happening, and we are all a part of it. No one organisation can prevent suicide, no one individual can save everyone - but the power of many can make a difference.
Show More