R U OK? is calling on every Aussie to have year-round conversations

No matter the day, Aussies are being encouraged to ask their loved ones one simple question.

Aussies are being encouraged to ask those around them one simple question no matter the day.

Are you okay?

Research shows those who are regularly asked whether they are okay feel more “supported, connected and cared about”.

With more than 70 per cent of Australians reporting heightened levels of distress, R U OK? is asking Aussies to have year-round conversations with the ones they love.

R U OK? CEO Katherine Newtown said there is an increase in supporting behaviours around R U OK? Day each year but Aussies shouldn’t wait until the national day of action to find out if those around them are coping.

R U OK? CEO, Katherine Newton is calling on Australians to ask their mates “R U OK?” no matter the day. Picture: R U OK?

“We don’t want people waiting until September to reach out to the people in their world who might be struggling because life happens every day,” she said.

“Whether it’s your friend, family member, colleague, partner, or teammate, the people you care about go through life’s ups and downs every day.”

Following the death of his beloved nephew Logan, Parental Guidance host Dr Justin Coulson echoed calls for Australians to have more conversations throughout the year.

“I was always the first to say, ‘R U OK? Day is great, but people don’t just struggle on one day of the year,’” Dr Coulson said.

“It wasn’t until we lost my nephew Logan that I looked further into R U OK? and began to understand this message is about regular, meaningful conversations.

Mr Coulson said losing Logan felt “unbearable at times”.

R U OK? says Australians should be checking in with those around them no matter the day. Picture: R U OK?

“Friends provided practical support such as dropping off meals, which was helpful, but not nearly as helpful as the hour-long conversation we had when they dropped the meal off – and they have continued to make space to listen to us in our grief,” he said.

“Conversations, words, opening up, laughing, crying, sharing, storytelling, celebrating, these are all ways we can make our relationships meaningful and ensure the people in our world feel seen, heard and valued.”

Dr Coulson said through implementing these behaviours into every interactions, you can build trust and normalise talking about “what’s really going on”.

“When the people in your world find themselves struggling, they know you’re someone they can talk to,” he said.

R U OK? Day will take place on September 12.