Australians are being encouraged to check in with the people around them and be prepared to listen when the answer is “no” as R U OK? Day returns today, on Thursday, 10 September.

The annual national day of action serves as a reminder that a simple conversation can play an important role in supporting someone who may be struggling, while encouraging people to remain connected with friends, family members, colleagues and others in their community.

For the Cowra community, R U OK? Day provides an opportunity to think about the conversations happening not only on September 10, but throughout the entire year.

At the heart of the campaign is a straightforward question: “Are you OK?”

However, the message goes beyond simply asking the question.

Australians are encouraged to trust their instincts when they notice changes in someone they know, make the time to start a conversation and, importantly, be prepared to listen and respond if that person says they are not OK.

Research published in September found a small but measurable improvement in mental wellbeing following R U OK? Day, with the strongest gains identified among men aged between 25 and 49.

While the findings point to the potential value of a national awareness campaign, the message behind R U OK? Day remains centred on individual conversations and ongoing connection.

Someone does not need to be an expert or mental health professional to check in with another person.

Instead, the campaign encourages people to notice when someone appears to be behaving differently, seems withdrawn or is going through a difficult period and to make space for a genuine conversation.

If the answer to “Are you OK?” is no, listening without judgement can be an important next step.

From there, people can encourage someone who is struggling to seek appropriate support, whether that is through a trusted friend or family member, their doctor or a professional support service.

For those who do receive a difficult answer, the responsibility is not to solve every problem themselves, but to listen, stay connected and encourage the person towards appropriate support.

Anyone requiring immediate crisis support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, while QLife provides LGBTIQ+ peer support on 1800 184 527.

If someone's life is in immediate danger, call Triple Zero.