Suicide is a grim topic and hard to talk about. But it’s a lot harder to talk about after it’s happened so let’s start having the conversations now.
September at Southern Cross Protection is when we focus on Mind Health and support R U OK? Day, which was on the 14th of September 2017.
We do this because we are a male dominated industry and because current mental health statistics show that 1,000,000 Australians suffer from depression, two million from anxiety and that out of 7 suicides per day in Australia, 5 are men.
We believe the risk to our people in the security industry may be even higher due to shift work and the possibility of exposure to upsetting or traumatic events.
This is why it is incredibly important to us that we raise awareness and encourage our men (and our women) to take their mental health seriously, seek help early, and support their mates in the industry.
You’ve got what it takes to ask!
Got a niggling feeling that someone you know or care about it isn’t behaving as they normally would? Perhaps they seem out of sorts? More agitated or withdrawn? Or they’re just not themselves. Trust that gut instinct and act on it.
By starting a conversation and commenting on the changes you’ve noticed, you could help that family member, friend or workmate open up. If they say they are not ok, you can follow the conversation steps explained on the RUOK? website here to show them they’re supported and help them find strategies to better manage the load. If they are ok, that person will know you’re someone who cares enough to ask.
We know that suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge the world over. But we also know that some of the world’s smartest people have been working tirelessly and developed credible theories that suggest there’s power in that simplest of questions – “Are you ok?”
(Source)
The mental health of our people is critically important to us and we hope that our Mind Health program helps give them the skills to better manage their own mind health as well as in their families and communities.
Inspiring Conversations at Work
(via ruok.org.au/stories)
Hear from a legal professional on why conversations matter:
Be moved by Justin’s powerful, life-changing story:
We have a simple message: Let’s talk when things get tough. Please share this to keep the conversation going.
For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. If life is in danger, call 000 or go directly to emergency services.
For more info, visit ruok.org.au.
