Australia’s National Day of Action, R U OK? Day will take place on September 12 this year to remind Australians that any day is a day to start a conversation that could change a life.

The reminder comes as 72% of Australians are reporting elevated levels of distress according to Suicide Prevention Australia. However, R U OK? research has found that 90% of people who are regularly asked “R U OK?” feel more supported, connected and cared about.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton notes, in a press release, that R U OK? Day is an extremely important day of the year, but she stresses that people shouldn’t just wait to be reminded, they should be constantly asking this question.

“There is an increase in supporting behaviours around R U OK? Day, our National Day of Action. However, we don’t want people waiting until September to reach out to the people in their world who might be struggling because life happens every day,” says Newton.

R U OK? Day promotes regular, meaningful conversations with the people close to you, helping to prevent small things from becoming big things.

By checking in regularly, you build trust and normalise talking about what’s really going on, so when the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to. 

Conversation tips and crisis support contacts can be found at ruok.org.au. 

To get help 24/7, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If you or someone you know are in immediate danger, phone 000 for emergency services.