R U OK? Day: What it is and why it matters

Learn about R U OK? and the work this national suicide prevention charity does.

Published on the 07 September 2026

What is R U OK?

Every September, yellow and black signs go up around workplaces and billboards that all ask one question: "R U OK?"

It's a really nice and simple convo starter - after all, who doesn't like being asked how they're doing? - but R U OK? is a lot more than just a question. It is a non-profit organisation aimed at raising awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, and is also a national day of action of the same name.

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, about nine people take their lives every day in Australia, and the median age of those who have died by suicide is 46 years. R U OK? focuses on helping people build the motivation, confidence and skills to have a meaningful conversation with someone who is struggling with their wellbeing.

The origins of R U OK? began in 1995 when the father of the organisation's founder, Gavin Larkin, died by suicide. When Gavin himself experienced depression years later and was concerned about his own mental health, he took a course at Landmark Worldwide.

Taking what he learned from the course, he collaborated with Janina Nearn to co-create R U OK? in 2009 as a project to not only honour his father, but also to help raise awareness about suicide prevention through a national day of action involving communicating with people who might be having a difficult time and building up personal relationships.

What is R U OK? Day then?

R U OK? Day is the organisation's annual flagship event held on the second Thursday of September.

Taking the ethos of R U OK? and turning it into a national day of action, R U OK? Day is all about empowering people to connect meaningfully with those around them. The idea is to provide support to anyone who may be struggling by simply checking in and asking them, "are you okay?" After all, a conversation has to start somewhere.

Since the first R U OK? Day in 2009, it has quickly grown into a nationwide campaign in which companies, workplaces, universities and the government have all embraced in the name of raising awareness about mental health and suicide prevention.

Has R U OK? Day been successful?

Great question! Generally speaking, R U OK? Day has had a fairly positive impact within Australia to improve population mental wellbeing.

According to a Monash University study titled Are You Okay? Effects of a National Peer-Support Campaign on Mental Health, the impact and reach of R U OK? Day has resulted in positive effects on mental wellbeing, particularly among middle-aged males.

While there wasn't evidence suggesting that the campaign has led to reduced suicides and suicidal behaviours in the following month, the results do show that peer support campaigns are a practical, low-cost approach towards improving the overall community mental wellbeing.

What can I do on R U OK? Day?

Before checking in with others, it's important that you're in the right headspace and prepared to provide support.

If you're not, that's perfectly okay! Look after yourself first and try to think of someone else in the person's support network who could talk with them, or direct them to the UNSW Psychology & Wellness service for a chat with mental health clinicians.

Once you're ready to provide support, here are the four steps to start a conversation with someone about whether they're okay:

Ask 'are you okay?': Be relaxed and help the person open up with some questions like, "What's been happening?" before mentioning more specific things that made you concerned for them, such as "You seem quieter than usual, how are you doing?"
Listen with an open mind: Don't interrupt or rush the person and take what they say seriously. Avoid any judgement and encourage them to explain what's been going on.
Encourage action: Ask questions about things they've done to manage similar situations and how you can help. If the person has been feeling down for some time, encourage them to see a health professional - some conversations are too big for friends and family to take on and will require professional support.
Check in: Make time to call or meet up with them in the weeks following your conversation. If they're really struggling, follow up sooner. Stay in touch and be there, showing genuine care and concern makes a real difference.

Once the conversation has been had and the person wants additional support, the next step is for them to find that help:

For more serious wellbeing matters you can direct them to the UNSW Psychology & Wellness service, where mental health clinicians can provide professional support and next steps.
If the person is struggling with uni life, there are Student Support Advisors who are available to chat.
For other health and wellbeing matters, the UNSW Health Service is available to help.