R U OK Day is a big deal in Australia. A topic that was once taboo or only spoken is secret, has been brought to the forefront in Australia as Scott Tipping sets out for an 11 day Suicide Awareness Jet Ski Ride. He wanted to get the conversation started by riding from Melbourne to Brisbane, making several stops along the way to chat with people about his mission.
Everyday at least six Australian’s take their own lives and another 35 attempt suicide. For young people in OZ, suicide is the leading cause of death. The target demographic is between the ages of 16 and 44. Sometimes all that’s needed is a conversation. Suicide prevention is an enormously complex and sensitive challenge. Quite a bit of evidence supports the theory that the power of the simple question; “Are you Okay” can change a life?
Tipping rode 1500 kms (932 miles) along the east coast of Australia raising awareness around suicide and mental health but his journey had only just begun. He rode in hopes of “ R U OK?” really taking off and generating conversations amongst those who don’t normally discuss feelings or suicide. He wants to get people talking about feelings with friends, family, and colleagues.
Tipping’s wife, Amanda, says that Tipping committed to the ride after one of his managers committed suicide. Tipping was moved to make a difference in helping others. He says you never what you might discover by simply asking “Are you okay?”
Tipping is cool with only getting a handful of people talking and maybe only impacting one person. He just wanted to get out the simplicity of the message. After watching the video posted by Everything Watercraft, we think Tipping was successful.
“Suicide doesn’t end the chances of life getting worse, it eliminates the possibility of it every getting any better.” -Unknown.
https://www.facebook.com/everythingwatercraft/videos/329172487647053/UzpfSTE5ODkwOTU2MDYxMjU5MDo0ODc2MDExMzE3NDM0MzA/?multi_permalinks=487601131743430¬if_id=1536936460936909¬if_t=group_highlights
