Published: 10th September 2024
Between big commitments like study, work, family and home, life can be busy and it can be easy to miss small signs that someone in your life may not be ok. R U OK? Day is a reminder to check in with family, friends and fellow students, helping to create a better-connected community and a stronger sense of belonging.
“The earlier you give someone an opportunity to open up to you, the sooner they can find appropriate support or, if needed, professional help and the greater the chance that together, you can stop small problems from becoming bigger ones.” - R U OK?
Why are days of observance important?
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, more than 3,000 deaths by suicide occur in Australia each year. In 2022, suicide was the leading cause of death for Australians between 15 and 24 years of age and more than half of all deaths by suicide (55%) occurred in people aged 30-59 (1,774 deaths).
Research shows that those who are exposed to the R U OK? Day campaign are up to six times more likely to reach out to someone who might be experiencing personal difficulties compared to those not exposed to the campaign – highlighting the importance of checking in with your friends, family and peers, and the value of wellbeing conversations.
What can you do?
The Black Dog Institute says there are protective factors that can reduce suicide rates, including providing supportive social relationships, building relationships with family, having a sense of control and purpose, and knowing who to go to for help.
R U OK? equips you with the first step, starting with how to have a conversation:
What’s happening on campus?
- R U OK? Day virtual event (12 September, 10am AWST): Join the virtual event, hosted by R U OK? Community Director Lachlan Searle. Learn about the four steps of an R U OK? conversation and hear from our Community Ambassadors about the importance of asking R U OK? Any Day.
You can tune in live at 10am (AWST) on 12 September via the following platforms:
- R U OK? Day Morning Tea: Join us at the Den on R U OK? Day for free food, tea, merch, engaging activities, and cuddles with our counselling dogs.
- Thursday, 12 September from 10am to 12pm
- At The Den
- Guild Markets: Come along to the R U OK? Day-themed Guild Markets for a day filled with vibrant community spirit and a FREE Kit Kat chocolate bar!
- Thursday, 12 September from 10am to 2pm
What if I’m struggling myself?
To look after your own mental health, it is important to know what resources are available to you. Murdoch offers students:
- Murdoch University Counselling Service: Free, short-term counselling for enrolled Murdoch students.
- Murdoch University Medical Service: A multidisciplinary team that helps support health and wellbeing through nurse and GP consultations, including prescriptions, immunisations, sexual health screening, healthy lifestyle consults, and mental health care plans and referrals.
- The Den and International Café: Drop-in Monday to Friday from 10am-2pm for social connection, free wellbeing activities, or just come to talk to our friendly staff about where to get support on campus.
- Guild Student Assist: Providing financial and rent assistance, accommodation support and a Food Bank.
There are external providers who can help support you, including:
