SRSLY R U OK?

This morning, I was up bright and early to attend the R U OK? breakfast event at Gloria Jean’s in the Melbourne CBD. The event marked the third national day of action to prevent and reduce Australia’s high suicide rate. An estimated 3 million Australians will stop to ask three little words today that could make a big difference to someone’s life.

The event was unlike most charity promotions. The coffee house was pumping from the very early hour of 5:30a.m. Many dedicated event organizers, volunteers, photographers, celebrities, a few famous athletes and many people besides made a morning party of yellow balloons and t-shirts.  I got the opportunity (as one of the photographers on site) to have a casual coffee with some celebrities, Nathan Thompson, Robert Murphy, Zoe Tuckwell-Smith, Jack Pearson and Anthony Cheeseman just to name a few.

Event volunteers and organisers greet the public.

All the celebrities there were true ambassadors for the charity. They stuck around and were keen to speak to people about the issues around depression. From volunteers to celebrities, everyone involved was completely engaged with the idea and messages around R U OK?

The energy and positive feel of the event was catchy. People walking in couldn’t help but smile. The friendly atmosphere was added to by the unusual openness of the celebrities who stood up to talk about their personal experiences. Both Giaan Rooney and Robert Murphy talked from their own experience as professional athletes. Gian Ronney reflecting on her career as a swimmer and Olympic gold medallist and said that there are unreasonable expectations to keep a smile at all times as a high profile athlete.

Jack Pearson and Zoe Tuckwell-Smith with an event volunteer.

These expectations need to change. From listening to their stories, all industries could learn a little from the pressures and expectations experienced by these sportspeople. We all feel the pressure to smile and solider on sometimes. Next time you see someone down, its alright to ask if they are okay and talk about it.

George Savvides, CEO Medibank private, highlighted the importance of this problem as a national issue. Guiding the message home the MC, Rachael Robertson, talked about her experiences working in a dark and cold environment as an expedition leader in Antarctica.

Asking the simple question R U OK? can help someone get out of a dark place she said.

Many high-profile names are advocates for the charity. They include actors such as Simon Baker and Hugh Jackman (see below) and sport stars like Nathan Thomposn.

Everyone came away from the event feeling optimistic about the future and as ambassador for the charity. Instead of asking just blow-off how are you, show someone you care today and tomorrow and often.

Ask R U OK?

Find out more and connect:

Website: http://www.ruokday.com.au/content/home.aspx

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ruokday

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/ruokday

YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ruokday