AFFINITY | Blog - Doughnut forget to ask R U OK?

‘The bus is running late..’ ‘My coffee isn’t hot enough…’ ‘Waking up fifteen minutes before the set alarm’

We’re all prone to having a ‘bad day’, with simple mistakes or chance ruining what could have been the perfect twenty-four hours. Most of us are fortunate to take it on the chin, move on, and flush out the negativity. But did you know that every year for every 1 in 8 Australians, the pressure becomes too much? (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016).

Suicide is a prevalent issue that affects our friends, families, colleagues and the broader community. So why does it go unnoticed or ignored?

Dr Thomas Joiner highlights three key factors driving why suicide is the leading cause of death for Australians aged between 15 and 44.

The person thinks they are a burden on others
They believe they can withstand a high degree of pain
They don’t feel connected to others

In context, it’s not always easy to talk to someone about your problems and individuals don’t always feel equipped or qualified enough to raise concerns or respond to someone who needs help.

Here at AFFINITY, we are prompting conversation for RUOK? Day the best way we know how – carbs and caffeine! Delicious doughnuts were guzzled down with non-alcoholic beverages of choice and smiley balloons were placed on each desk with an attached ‘RUOK?’ origami heart – we’re thoughtful and creative here at AFFINITY.

Our workplace culture continually promotes openness, kindness, good vibes and an environment where you can feel comfortable enough to speak up.

We wanted to identify that suicide is an issue ‘closer to home’ by identifying recent statistics on suicide and its effect on men, women and youth. Did you know?

Suicide is the leading cause of death in men under the age of 45 and women under 35
1 in 10 young people aged 12-17 years old will self-harm, 1 in 13 will seriously consider a suicide attempt, and 1 in 40 young people will attempt suicide
In Australia, men account for 75% of deaths by suicide (Australian Bureau of Statistics, 2016)

Life isn’t a fairytale world where everything is sunshine and daises. Sadly, people are struggling with depression and anxiety everyday.

To conquer suicide AFFINITY style; we went about setting a task.

We encouraged all staff members to ask a friend, colleague, family member or simply a favourite barista – in their own way. How are you going? Or what’s up? As ‘Are you okay?’ might not work for them 🙂

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please offer them a friendly ear, or call or donate to the below: