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R U OK? Day: A Question Is Only Powerful When We Are Prepared to Listen
MEDIA RLEASE
For Immediate Release
10 September 2026
On R U OK? Day, the Australian Association of Mental Health Practitioners (AAMHP) is encouraging Australians to move beyond the slogan and make meaningful connection part of everyday life.
R U OK? Day is marked on Thursday, 10 September 2026, with this year’s message reminding Australians to “Ask R U OK? Any Day” because life’s ups and downs do not wait for one day in the calendar. R U OK? also reports that many people underestimate the impact of checking in, while those who are asked often report feeling grateful, cared about and supported.
AAMHP Chair Shane Warren said:
“R U OK? Day matters because it interrupts the Australian habit of pushing through and calling it strength. Busy is not proof that someone is well. A calendar can be full and a person can still be lonely, exhausted or quietly falling apart. The question is powerful because it gives people permission to tell the truth, but only if we are prepared to listen.” [Shane Warren]
AAMHP says asking “Are you OK?” is not about becoming someone’s therapist, fixing their life, or having the perfect words. It is about noticing change, creating space, listening without judgement, encouraging practical support where needed, and checking in again. R U OK? outlines four key conversation steps: ask, listen with an open mind, encourage action, and check in.
AAMHP Secretary Susan Sandy said:
“Sometimes the most important support begins with a simple sentence: ‘I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself, and I care.’ People do not always need a grand intervention. They often need someone willing to sit with them, listen properly, and help them take the next small step toward support.” [Susan Sandy]
For workplaces, schools, families and communities, R U OK? Day is a reminder that mental wellbeing is relational. People are more likely to speak honestly when they feel safe, respected and not judged. Real mental health culture is built not by posters alone, but by the daily practice of noticing people, making time, and following up.
AAMHP also recognises the vital role of counsellors, peer practitioners, youth workers, community mental health workers, workplace wellbeing practitioners and other vocationally trained professionals who support people before distress becomes crisis.
R U OK? notes that it is not a crisis counselling service and that professional support should be sought when someone needs more help. If life is in danger, call 000. For crisis support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14.
This R U OK? Day, AAMHP encourages Australians to ask the question, and then do the harder, more human work of listening.
Because connection is not a slogan.
It is prevention.
It is care.
And sometimes, it is the beginning of hope.
Media Contact:
Shane Warren, Chair
Susan Sandy, Secretary
Philip Armstrong, CEO
#RUOKDay #AskRUOKAnyDay #MentalHealthMatters #SuicidePrevention #ConnectionMatters #CommunityCare #MentalWellbeing #AAMHP #VMHPAA
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