On average, 9 Australians take their own life every day.
Thursday 10 September 2026 is R U OK? Day, Australia’s national day of action reminding us that a conversation could change a life. It falls on the second Thursday of every September, but the message behind it matters every day of the year.
Research shows around a third of people underestimate the difference a genuine check-in can make. Yet 9 in 10 people who are asked “are you OK?” say they feel grateful, cared for and supported. At the same time, 1 in 4 of us hesitate to ask when we sense someone is struggling. If someone’s been on your mind lately, trust that instinct and start the conversation.
Suicide remains the leading cause of death for Australians aged 15 to 44, and is felt far beyond the person directly affected: an estimated 10 million Australian adults know someone who has died by suicide. But we also know that connection is protective.
You don’t need to be a mental health professional to make a difference; you just need to be willing to ask, and to really listen to the answer. If you’re supporting someone who needs more than a conversation can offer, our clinicians are here to help them take that next step.
| 4 Steps to a Meaningful R U OK? Conversation |
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1. Ask: Pick a private, relaxed moment. “How are you really going?” opens more doors than a passing “you good?” 2. Listen: Resist the urge to jump in with advice. Give them space to talk, and take what they say seriously. 3. Encourage action: Gently suggest a next step, whether that’s talking to a GP, a psychologist, or a trusted person in their life. 4. Check in again: Follow up in a few days or weeks. Knowing someone remembers can mean more than the first conversation itself. |
