Campaign aims to end suicide
A LITTLE more conversation was the message of Toowoomba’s mental-health advocates on national R U OK? Day.
The initiative encourages Australians to be better mates and help end suicide. It comes in the wake of the tragic murder-suicide of the Hunt family in rural New South Wales.
General manager of Lifeline Darling Downs and South West Queensland Derek Tuffield said R U OK? Day was about increasing awareness of the need to check in on friends and family.
“2500 completed suicides occurred in Australia last year,” Mr Tuffield said. “That’s higher than the road toll. “You may have concerns someone is not acting in their normal capacity. They might say things like ‘I might see you in the next life’.
“Don’t be afraid to ask ‘are you okay’. (It’s) even as simple as asking them for a cup of tea.”
Mr Tuffield said the life-changing capacity of the simple question had been proven in his work time and time again.
A lifetime of struggling with Asperger’s had also convinced Shaun Williams just how powerful a chat can be.
“A lot of people do not realise how much power words can have,” he said. “Even saying hello to someone can affect their day or even week.
“I’m not that good at conversation as I tend to ramble but I appreciate how much words can stick.”
Mr Williams said a quick call to the Kid’s Helpline had helped him navigate through many of his own struggles when he was growing up.
If you need help contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, 24 hours a day, or visit www.lifeline.org.au.