Whether it’s on exercise, operations or in the office, there’s never a wrong time to ask R U OK? It only takes a second but could have a lifetime impact.
September 12 is R U OK? Day, the theme this year is asking ‘R U OK? Any day’.
Director General Mental Health and Wellbeing Brigadier Caitlin Langford said the theme was a valuable reminder that we don’t need a specific day or month to check in with family, friends and colleagues.
“We spend so much time with other Defence personnel, especially when on exercise or operations, we want to normalise the question,” Brigadier Langford said.
“Caring for each other does not need a degree or qualification, but it does rely on being genuine and invested in someone else. You don’t need to be an expert to reach out to someone, just be willing to listen and provide support.
“When we genuinely ask ‘R U OK?’ and are prepared to listen to how someone is feeling, we can help them feel connected and supported, long before they’re not coping, are struggling or are in crisis.
“When people need support they often fear being a burden to others, this is not the case. We are all human and we will have periods where the care and support of someone else is needed. We need to reduce the stigma around getting help for mental health issues.”
R U OK? Day started in 2009 based on the idea that a conversation could change a life.
The national mental health awareness initiative was founded by Gavin Larkin after his father died by suicide.
Gavin lost his battle with cancer in 2011, but not before starting a national conversation about mental health.
Defence is a workplace that supports its people to ask each other, “R U OK?” and encourages teams and workplaces to host events to bring people together and share the R U OK? message.
R U OK? Day resources have been developed to raise awareness of suicide prevention and to support the Defence community.
Learn how to start a conversation and ask R U OK? at:
If you or anyone you know is considering self-harm, reach out and ask for help.
For information or resources, visit
Support is always available:
- Defence all-hours support line: 1800 628 036
- Defence Member and Family Support: 1800 624 608
- Defence Chaplaincy Support: 1300 333 362
- Employee Assistance Program: 1300 687 327
- Open Arms: 1800 011 046
- Reserve Assistance Program (RAP): 1300 687 327
- NewAccess Program: 1300 907
- Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14
