It’s important to always check in on your mates and “R U OK?” Day (today, Thursday, September 14) serves as a reminder to initiate a conversation to show you care.
This year’s theme is “unite every day” – because showing you care is not a one-off event, it’s a 365-day affair.
“Today is an amazing day because it promotes awareness to check in on people and ask them R U OK?,” R U OK? brand ambassador Barry Conrad told Channel Ten’s Studio 10.
Barry added that it was important to not just ask the question but to check in more regularly.
“Let people know that you are listening to them and you care for them. Don’t just ask ‘R U OK?’ and walk away,” said Conrad.
The LGBTI+ community in particular can require more of these check-ins as research shows a disproportionate number of them experience poorer mental health outcomes.
Statistics from health organisation LGBTIQ+ Health Australia found that, in 2021, 73.2 per cent of LGBTIQ people aged 18 and over reported having been diagnosed with a mental health condition.
The same report found that LGBTIQ young people aged 16 to 27 are five times more likely to attempt suicide.
The figures are even more startling for the trans community.
Thirty-five per cent of transgender people aged over 18 report they had attempted suicide in their lifetime.
“It’s an alarming statistic and it’s likely to be unrepresented because people don’t talk about it,” said Dr Cris Quitral, who runs Heyfella, a new telehealth service for gay men.
Quitral says the danger is that by not talking about it, the statistics will rise.
“It’s up to us to have the conversations that could help change a life,” Quitral said.
“All you can do is talk to those around you and it’s not easy but the main thing is to support each other in the community. Show them that they are not alone,” he said.
R U OK? has resources online to help guide a conversation in a safe and supportive way. The guide was developed in consultation with LGBTIQ+ Health Australia and urges everyone to start a conversation.
“It’s not just about asking but also about listening. Really listen to people and just be there for them. Make them feel safe and heard,” said Quitral.
If you or your loved ones need guidance, QLife provides anonymous and free peer support across the country and can be reached on 1800 184 527. Lifeline is on 13 11 14.
This report was written by Eliot Hastie, who outside of GSN works for Channel Ten.
Gay Sydney News reporter