R U OK Day falls on a warm and bright day this year, the type of weather that lets people imagine the long summer days ahead, filled with swims, sunscreen and a sun that doesn’t set until late in the afternoon. For others, it might prompt memories of dusty days, of feeding stock and fighting fires.

Rural communities are urged to ask R U OK today, and not wait another year to ask it again. 

“We still have a bit of an old-fashioned mindset in the country when it comes to mental health and that needs to change,” said farmer and mental health advocate Derek Schoen. 

“Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.”

With reports of El Nino conditions on their way, evidence of an impending drought covers the Western Plains. 

Mr Schoen says it's in the toughest conditions that communities need to look out for one another.

“You can’t look after your business if you’re not looking after yourself, and that’s why it’s so important to break down the stigma around mental health,” he said. 

“It’s not just laying on a couch talking to a psychologist, even something as simple as having a talk to a trusted friend can help prevent problems from getting too much to handle. 

Events across Western Plains communities throughout today recognised R U OK Day, offering conversation over coffee and cake. 

While many events have drawn to a close, Collarenebri locals are invited to meet on Friday 15 September at the Healthy Communities shop front from 10:30am to 12pm. 

The R U OK Day website has resources to help have those conversations.

R U OK Day is a national campaign that encourages people to stay connected by checking in with each other, born to combat Australia’s mental health epidemic, where 8.6 people take their lives every day. 

President of the Rural Doctors Association of Australia Dr Megan Belot said that asking if someone is ok can kickstart an important conversation and productive action. 

“For someone who is struggling with their mental health, just knowing that there are people who care enough to ask can be an enormous boost,” Dr Belot said. 

“Just remember – nobody is on their own. There is always support available if you reach out. It’s not always easy to keep the conversation going when someone says they’re not OK, but it could change a life.”

For those who wonder what to say and how to create a conversation that provides active support the R U ok Day website has great practical tips you can use every day.

If you are feeling down and need to speak to someone:

Lifeline Australia: 13 11 14 

Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 

Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467 

NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511 

Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800