R U OK? is encouraging people in the LGBTQIA+ community to take action and start a conversation that could change a life.
This year, the annual R U OK? Day is on Thursday, September 10, which also coincides with World Suicide Prevention Day.
The message of the day is simple: If you’re thinking it, ask R U OK? Any day and start a conversation that could change a life.
Research has revealed that one in three Australians underestimate the difference they can make by asking someone “are you OK.”
“So many people want to help but sometimes they hold back because they’re not sure whether checking in with someone will really make a difference,” said CEO of R U OK? Lach Searle.
“What this research tells us is that asking, ‘are you OK?’ can absolutely have a positive impact. That simple question shows that you genuinely care and lets the other person know they don’t have to face life’s ups and downs alone.”
One person who knows the power of a simple conversation is Alvin Quah, who recently appeared on Network 10’s Traitors.
“I was in a situation not long ago working in the corporate sector and completely inundated with deadlines and crazy hours, and you forget to look after yourself,” he said.
“And sometimes it’s really good when you have someone checking in as a prompt, even if you still don’t want to have that conversation.”
Quah said it was especially important in the LGBTQIA+ community; it served as a powerful reminder to check in on each other.
“We are such complex and beautiful creatures, and then you layer it with the stresses that you get in the community, whatever stage you are in within that community, and it’s so layered, and it’s just another powerful reminder that something like this is really, really good to practice.”
Data from a 2020 study by LGBTIQ+ Health Australia found that LGBTIQ+ youth are five times as likely to attempt suicide as their peers, and 16% of youth had attempted suicide compared to 3.2% of non-LGBTIQ+ youth in the same age bracket.
The numbers are unfortunately worse for the transgender and gender-diverse communities, where 48.1% aged 14 to 25 have attempted suicide in their lifetime.
Quah first appeared on TV screens in 2010 when he appeared on MasterChef Australia, where he placed sixth.
Being on reality TV has brought with it its own challenges, said Quah, because during filming it’s easy to get caught up in the moment, but the mental struggles can actually come afterwards.
“You get caught up with the filming and doing what you have to do in whatever TV show or competition you’re in, but in my case, you forget that everyone is going through the same sort of stress and high-anxiety situation, and for me, it was such an eye-opener, especially after we film, to have that regular check-in from people,” said Quah.
“Not just the family and the loved ones, that’s really lovely, but to actually have check-ins from the other contestants. Let’s just do a welfare check – how you’re going, how do you feel after watching that episode, whatever it is. And for me, it is so liberating, and it’s so good to know that I’m not alone.”
For Quah, he checks in on his own mental health through exercise, cooking, and this year he’s added journaling to the mix.
“I’m late in jumping on the bandwagon, but for those of you who are reading this, it’s so powerful writing your thoughts onto paper, and I have a journal that I write in every day and they each have different prompts,” he said.
“Like how are you feeling, think about three positive things about you, and it’s so good to just write it down, and sometimes there are blank pages where you can just write random thoughts, and I would highly recommend that.”
R U OK?Day has a number of resources available online, including specific LGBTQ+ resources with conversation guides and stories from the community.
R U OK?Day is tomorrow, Thursday September 10, so make sure you check in with your friends, family, colleagues and anyone in your life.
