We all have a role to play in reducing deaths by suicide
hello • 23 October 2020
R U OK? calls on Australians to support those who may be struggling with life long before they're in crisis.
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) today released the annual Causes of Death data reporting that in 2019 there were 3,318 deaths by suicide compared with 3,138 in 2018.
We are saddened by the increase in the number of deaths by suicide and acknowledge that every number reflects a life tragically lost and the devastating impact on those left behind. To all those impacted by suicide, our thoughts are with you. Our team care deeply about suicide prevention and it is what drives us to continue our work addressing social connections and early intervention.
The expert knowledge about suicide is that it is a complex behaviour and is rarely preceded by a single event or condition. These figures represent 2019 historical data and it is important that we avoid speculation on the potential impact of recent events on suicide deaths and rates.
We can’t control all of life’s challenges but as individuals we can make a commitment that we will pro-actively connect, and in some cases reconnect, with our friends, family, colleagues and neighbours and be there to support them if they are struggling.
In 2020 we’ve witnessed some inspiring examples of how caring our community can be. Genuine care and concern from loved ones, the supportive shoulder of a friend, or a perceptive colleague can be life-changing for those navigating life’s ups and downs.
A conversation could change a life and you don’t have to be an expert to reach out. If you notice a change, no matter how subtle, in what someone is saying, doing or you know there’s something going on in their life make a plan to genuinely ask them, ‘Are you OK?’ and keep the conversation going by remembering there is more to say after ‘Are you OK?
Once you have asked the question, listen with an open mind, explore how you can lend your support and encourage them to take action towards managing the load or accessing professional support. Don’t forget to check in to see how they’re doing to show you genuinely care.
In the words of R U OK? founder Gavin Larkin, “Getting connected and staying connected is the best thing any of us can do both for ourselves and anybody who may be at risk. That said, it’s not just about those at risk, we want everybody in Australia right across the spectrum of society to reach out to the people in their lives that they care about and essentially let them know that they do care by asking R U OK?”
If you or someone you know need immediate support, we urge you to contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
Read the Suicide Prevention Australia media release at www.suicidepreventionaust.org/civicrm/mailing/url/?u=1147&qid=34978
If you or your loved one are feeling overwhelmed or need immediate support you can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the services at www.ruok.org.au/findhelp
Learn when and how to ask R U OK? at www.ruok.org.au/how-to-ask
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.
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