Kickstarting Conversations on Mental Health This R U OK? Day

Why a simple conversation can make a real difference, and what R U OK? Day means to me.

One week out from R U OK? and I'm taking time to reflect on it's importance in our society, but also what it means to me personally.

I've lost clients, colleagues, friends and family to suicide. I know I'm not alone.

Over 10 million Australians know someone personally who has died by suicide.

Just take a look at some statistics by the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) on mental health in Australia:

• According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, around 45% of Australians aged 16-85 will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime.

• Men are at a higher risk of experiencing mental health issues related to substance abuse and suicide, with suicide being one of the leading causes of death among Australian men aged 15-44.

• Despite the prevalence of mental health issues, less than half of those experiencing them seek professional help, with men being less likely to access support than women.

Since it's inception in 2009, RUOK Day has had its critics. I understand that when you hear it being trumpeted by some organizations and high-profile individuals, RUOK Day can feel like nothing more than annual lip service to mental health.

On a human level, it remains genuine for me.

Even as an experienced Occupational Therapist at EMP Onsite, I feel well versed in working with people who have a range of different injuries and illnesses, but discussing men's mental health can sometimes still feel like venturing into uncharted territory.

In a world that champions resilience, self-reliance, and stoicism, men often face unique challenges when it comes to addressing their mental health.

Societal expectations such as this have long perpetuated that "real men" should suppress their emotions and never show vulnerability. This harmful notion has contributed to the staggering stigma surrounding men's mental health issues. In Australia, as in many parts of the world, this stigma has deterred countless men from seeking the help they need.

RUOK Day serves as a poignant reminder of the power of connection. It's a day dedicated to sparking conversations and checking in on the well-being of those around us. In the context of men's mental health, these conversations can be transformative.

Just a simple question, "Are you okay?" can open the door to meaningful dialogue, breaking down the walls of isolation and providing much-needed support.

As a teenager, I vividly remember those late nights spent with friends, huddled around a game of FIFA at 2 a.m. It was during these seemingly casual moments that I learned how to talk about problems, thoughts, and life experiences. Amidst the banter and fierce competition, I found a safe space to open up and show vulnerability.

One night, as the controller slipped through my sweaty palms, I decided to share a struggle that had been weighing on my mind. To my surprise, my friends didn't mock or belittle me; instead, they listened attentively and offered their own opinion.

Well they belittled me a little bit later on, but in a good way I promise.

That night, FIFA became more than just a game; it became a bridge that connected us on a deeper level. It taught me that we don't need formal settings or profound conversations to address our mental health—> we need the courage to speak up.

As we approach RUOK Day, let's commit to breaking the silence mental health. We must challenge the stigma that holds so many back from seeking the help they deserve.

By fostering genuine connections, promoting open dialogue, making time for our friends and checking in often, we can make significant strides toward better mental health for everyone.

So, this RUOK Day and beyond, let's ask the question, listen without judgment, and show that we care. It's time to make a difference, one conversation at a time, even if it happens over a game of FIFA at 2 a.m.

P.S. Always remember to hide the controller so your mate can't tell which way you're shooting during penalties.