R U OKAY?

I'm fundraising for a great cause!

It is a well known fact that COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing lockdowns have pushed many people to breaking point, with calls to suicide prevention and mental health crisis helplines reaching an all-time high. Suicide has a devastating impact on families, friends and whole communities. Pharmacists, due to their role and their accessibility in the community, have the potential to play a key role in recognising the signs and symptoms of suicide, restricting means and keeping the person safe until support is available. Over the past few months, as a pharmacist, I realised how important it is to be comfortable and confident to initiate conversations with people seeking help and support as I was being approached more and more. Believe it or not it is one of the hardest job in the world! So I decided to start doing some suicidal prevention trainings boosting my skills and confidence in recognising signs warranting further exploration for suicidality and just talking with someone who may display suicidal signs and symptoms. The more I learn the more I realise how serious this issue is and I want to help these people in a way. I have decided to take on a challenge to help R U OK? to spread their message and help prevent suicide. R U OK?’s vision is of a world where we are all connected and protected from suicide. Their mission is to inspire everyone to meaningfully connect with the people around them and support anyone struggling with life. By inspiring people to take the time to ask, “Are you OK?” and listen, we can help people who are struggling with life to feel connected long before they even think about suicide.