R U OK? research shows why we are hesitant to reach out about mental health

For Mahir, a simple conversation at a critical point in his life proved “life-changing”. But new research has exposed why a third of us hesitate to reach out to those we suspect are struggling.

A fear of offending by saying the wrong thing is holding many Australians back from checking in on those they are concerned about.

A new survey by suicide prevention charity R U OK? has exposed the reasons why a third of us hesitate to reach out to those we suspect are struggling.

Concerns about invading people’s privacy, or not knowing how to help, were the other top

factors.

But overwhelmingly, the research found when people were asked how they were going, they felt “grateful and supported”.

Most Australians (three in four) also believed it was important to reach out.

The findings have been released exclusively to News Corp Australia in the lead-up to R U OK? Day on September 11.

The barriers to mental health conversations have been the focus of News Corp Australia’s Can

We Talk? campaign with Medibank, which this week is exploring relationships.

The campaign is aimed at equipping Aussies with the skills needed to open up about the most

important topic in our lives.

Psychologist Annie Fardell Hartley said a simple conversation could make a big difference.

“These conversations matter and they’re often more welcome than we think,” Ms Fardell

Hartley, an R U OK? board member, said.

“People don’t expect you to have all the answers or the perfect words.

“They value trust, genuine care, and someone who really listens.”

Encouragingly, the charity said the research had revealed a third of Australians had been checking in with others more often over the past year.

R U OK? ambassador Mahir Munot. Picture: Supplied

For Mahir Munot, 19, a simple conversation at a critical point in his life proved “life-changing”.

Just days before his Year 12 exams, he found himself at his lowest ebb after bullying he had

endured in the past resurfaced.

“I was in tears on the bus when a teacher sitting across from me asked, ‘Are you OK?’,”

Mr Munot, who has since become a community ambassador for the charity, recalled.

“I was feeling completely shattered, and couldn’t step forward and take any action.

“But that conversation on the bus was the reason I ended up opening up to my family and

community that night.”

Can We Talk? is a News Corp awareness campaign, in partnership with Medibank, helping Australian families better tackle mental wellbeing. To follow the series and access all stories, tips and advice, visit our new Health section.