#YouCanTalk asks Australians to start a conversation with loved ones this holiday season 

Today #YouCanTalk is launching a two-week campaign calling on all Australians to play a more active role in preventing suicide in their own communities.

Suicide is currently a significant public health issue in Australia and across the world. In 2018 3,046 Australians died by suicide and the holiday season can be a particularly difficult time for many.

Feelings of loneliness and isolation during the Christmas and New Year period can be exacerbated and there is increased opportunity for alcohol and substance abuse.

While it canbe difficult to talk about suicide, research shows anyone can have a positive influence on a friend, family member or work colleague they are worried about by asking them if they are thinking about suicide and supporting them to seek help if needed.

R U OK? are one of ten leading Australian mental health and suicide prevention organisations who make up the #YouCanTalk collaboration.

 “This holiday season the #YouCanTalk collaborative is asking all Australians to be prepared and start a conversation with someone they’re worried about if they’re worried they may be thinking of suicide. ” says  R U OK? CEO Katherine Newton. “One positive thing we can all do is talk to someoneyou think might be at risk and ask them if they are thinking about suicide.

“Look for changes in verbal or non-verbal behaviour. A loved one or acolleague might not be interacting with others as they usually would, or they mightnot appear to be enjoying the things they used to enjoy. They may start giving away possessions. We should also make a conscious effort when we know someone is facing significant change in their life or facing their first holiday after a breakup or loss of someone close to them.

“This holiday season the #YouCanTalk alliance is asking all Australiansto be prepared and start a conversation with someone they’re worried about.”

R U OK? Community Ambassador and former footy player Kevin Heath has lent his voice to the #YouCanTalk campaign. In addition to his day job as an Aboriginal health promotion officer with NSW Health, Heath runs the Dream Time Academy, where he mentors young athletes in things ranging from goal setting to sports training.

“I’m passionate about encouraging our mob to look out for each other, and this campaign is a great way to reach out to people at what can be a tough time of year. I’m lucky to champion the importance of having these life-saving conversations every day but we need everyone to realise they can talk about suicide and in doing so they could save a life,” said Heath.

First launched in 2018, #YouCanTalk was developed in response to University of Melbourne research commissioned by Beyond Blue which showed Australians want to do more to prevent suicide but were uncertain how.

“We know families, friends and communities are playing a critical role in suicide prevention, especially in our rural and remote communities. #YouCanTalk is about getting resources and tools into the hands of people who need them so they can navigate important conversations with people around them, ” says National Suicide Prevention Advisor and CEO of the National Mental Health Commission, Christine Morgan.

#YouCanTalk  is endorsed and supported by leading Australian mental health andsuicide prevention organisations. Learn more about how to start a conversation with a loved one and where to go for support at: ruok.org.au/you-can-talk