R U OK? supporter Catie Blacker shares her story and why opening up if you aren't ok is so important

hello • 20 November 2018


Often the stigma and negative opinions surrounding depression are a major reason why we choose to not talk about our mental health.

It’s important to acknowledge that this is a major barrier to fixing what may be wrong.

We shouldn’t be afraid to share how we feel, the struggles we face, and the stories that shape us. When we are open we are able to encourage others to be open.

At 3 years old my world was turned upside-down. Whilst I may not have been old enough to understand, what happened still affects me to this day. My mother lost her silent struggle with depression.


Although I wasn’t born very long ago, the attitude towards depression and its understanding have changed quite a lot. People weren’t aware that asking a simple question like, “Are you OK?” and being equipped with knowledge and resources to help if the answer was no, could make all the difference.

Growing up I faced my own battles with mental illness and as a result often questioned myself, my relationships and the world I live in. Lucky for me, I had a supportive, loving and understanding family who were always there to provide a listening ear when it was needed. I was constantly encouraged to not give up, and to make this world a place I wanted to live in.

I am so fortunate to have grown up in a time where the understanding of mental health and all the treatments and resources available are a part of everyday life. Thanks to R U OK?Day I am growing up in a world full of meaningful conversations, where people are encouraged to ask their mates how they’re doing and then providing support. In this world, a simple conversation can save a life.

Make a promise today to remember to reach out to a friend. If you are worried that the problem may be too big for you to help, encourage them to seek professional support. Your GP is a great place to start, Lifeline are available 24/7 on 13 11 14 and other supports, forums and tools can be found at www.ruok.org.au/find-help


It’s important to remember that if someone asks you if you are OK, to not be afraid to say you aren’t.

Don’t let your friends, daughters, brothers and sisters face a world without you.

Trust me, you will be missed.

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.
Michelle Heyman on the field.

Michelle Heyman on speaking out and starting over

8 October 2025
Matildas forward Michelle Heyman talks about how one of the most challenging transitions of her life became the most transformative, thanks to the support of her fiancée Christine.
Five R U OK? Community Ambassadors pose in park wearing black and yellow R U OK? t shirts

Show you care during Mental Health Month

25 September 2025
It’s Mental Health Month. Here’s what you can do to connect with your community, look after your mental health and support someone who might be struggling.
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