The Sydney Swans are proud to support R U OK? Day, to encourage Australian’s to start a conversation that can help save lives.

September 12 is the national day of action for R U OK? Day and a time to remember that ever day of the year to support people who may be struggling with life’s ups and downs.

This R U OK? Day we want everyone to feel confident they know the signs someone might need support by listening to what they’re saying, seeing what they’re doing or knowing what’s going on in their life. Whenever you notice a change, no matter how small, we want you to trust your gut and  start an R U OK? conversation.

Some of the key signs to look for fall under the following headings. 

What are they doing?
Changes in mood, not turning up, anxious or irritable behavious or somebody not sleeping may all be changes in what someone is doing that prompt you to ask ‘Are you OK?’

What are they saying?
If someone is using terms such as; it’s too hard, it’s hopeless, I’m overwhelmed or I’m a burden then it may prompt you to ask the question ‘Are you OK?’ 

What’s going on in their life?
Is someone having a relationship breakdown, career changes, health issues or a loss of someone or something significant in their life? These would all be indications of when to ask the simple conversation starter ‘Are you OK?’

Earlier this year R U OK? conducted a survey that revealed:

  • 63% of Australians are not confident they know the signs that someone might be struggling with life.
  • Of those surveyed, 41% hadn’t asked someone if they were OK because they weren’t sure they knew the signs
  • Almost 1 in 2 (49%) believe they’d be more confident in starting a conversation if they knew the signs. 

The Sydney Swans earlier this year launched a Mental Fitness program for high school students in conjunction with Black Dog Institute.

The aim of this program is to help build a world where mental illness is treated with the same level of concern, immediacy and seriousness as physical illness.

Black Dog ambassador Jordan Dawson said it was important to practice gratitude regularly to appreciate all the great things in our life.

“It happens every day in everyone’s life that you have these bad times but it is making sure that you know that you can bounce back from that,” Dawson said.

“In everyday life when I am having negative times I know that I can get out of it because of my past experiences.

“I practice gratitude by going to the beach or doing yoga and taking a moment to myself most days to try and think about what I am actually grateful for.

“It is important that I don’t take the opportunity I have been given for granted which I believe those things allow me to be able to do.”

Sydney Swans staff will join together for an R U OK? afternoon tea on Thursday at the SCG.

For support at any time of day or night, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For more information, visit ruok.org.au.