Reach out to work colleagues, friends and family on RU OK? Day.

Thursday September 15, 2011 is RU OK? Day.

R U OK? Day is a day when we are encouraged to reach out and connect with people by asking a simple question.

Set up in 2009 by the three sons of a successful management consultant who committed suicide, R U OK? Day started one million conversations in its first year. The non-profit organisation advocates that ‘if someone's doing it tough, the simple act of asking “Are you OK?”, can help stop little problems getting bigger’.

In recognition of the fact we all spend so much time at work, R U OK? Day encourages employers to register via its website and access a free tool kit on how to get staff involved in the day.

According to the R U OK? Day website ‘stress and depression are the largest contributors to lost productivity in Australia, directly costing employers an estimated $10.11 billion a year. In addition, workplace counselling for anxiety and stress has increased 68 per cent and 76 per cent respectively since 2007’.

September 15 is also a day to think about some of the big issues our work colleagues might be facing like depression, anxiety, workplace stress from bullying, or the stress of job hunting after taking time out to recover from cancer, or to provide elder care, or care for a sick family member.

Sometimes we misjudge our work colleagues because we have no understanding of what they might be going through – both in their work and their private lives.

But remember, while it’s great to ask someone if they are OK, only ask if you are going to lend a sympathetic ear and keep an open mind.

The R U OK? website is a good read and features videos of people telling their own stories. It also provides links to websites that offer great information such as SANE Australia, Reach Out, the Black Dog Institute, Beyond Blue, Headspace and Multicultural Mental Health Australia.

So on this national day of action, which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about, take the time to connect not only with work colleagues  but family and friends, too.

R U OK? aims to inspire all Australians to help reduce our suicide rate by reaching out and making contact with others.

Most people don't openly share their feelings, particularly when they're struggling so don't wait for a sign and trust your instincts. A conversation could change a life.

The best thing we can all do is regularly ask the people we care about: "Are you OK?" regardless of whether they are at risk because connection is good for us all.