R U OK?Day 2012

I've been a bit busy lately. We have entered the Celebration Season (4 birthdays and our wedding anniversary in 33 days) at our place. It means we are busy socialising, celebrating and the usual, just getting on with normal life. We have even taken a mini break which was lovely.

Today is R U OK?Day and I thought that it was worthy of a post.

My first step is asking you all R U OK?

I was very impressed to see R U OK? coffee cups today at Tafe, listening to people talk about R U OK? and extremely happy to be thought of and had someone checking up on me. You know who you are, thank you very much!

The R U OK?Day website sa

Most people don't openly share their feelings, particularly if they're struggling. The best thing we can all do is regularly talk to the people we care about - regardless of whether they are at risk - because connection is good for us all. In the time it takes to have your coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.

Did you know:

• More than 2,200 Australians suicide each year
• Men are around 3 times more likely to die by suicide than females (ABS 2012)
• For each person that takes their life, another 30 people attempt to end their own life (SANE Australia).

Suicide may or may not have touched your life. It has touched mine in various ways. I know people who have attempted suicide, I know people who have threatened suicide, knew someone who did kill themselves and I have been in that place where suicide seems like the only way out.

I don't talk about it much. There was a very dark period in my life and I thought that the world would be a better place without me in it. Thankfully, i haven't been at that point for a very long time. But I remember it and I hope that I never end up that low ever again.

So while R U OK?Day was today, if you didn't ask someone today, there is always tomorrow. Its ever too late to check up on people, and just asking R U OK? could make a huge difference to someone's life.

Click here to find out how to ask R U OK?

Click here for ideas on how to say that you are not OK.

If you’re feeling suicidal, it’s ok to tell someone you trust or call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 794 991.