It is estimated that 65,000 people try to take their own lives every year, with Indigenous Australians four times as likely to die from suicide.
Footballer Tom Raudonikis knows all about the importance of mental health - he was known as one of the toughest players on the field - but his mental strength was sorely tested this year when his teenage grandson died playing rugby league.
"A lot of friends I hadn't heard from for years rang me and gave me encouragement or whatever so that was wonderful. People cared about me and my daughter," Mr Raudonikis said.
And looking out for others is the key message the former Wests halfback is keen to promote on 'R U OK? Day.'
"If you are talking to somebody and you have got a little bit of a feeling that he isn't well then just ask him the question, are you OK?" Mr Raudonikis said.
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Rugby league legend Wendell Sailor has also used the event to highlight the prevalence of suicide in Aboriginal communities.
"A lot of our people with Indigenous culture don't want to open up to people and if you can sort of peel away the first layer or two you can get to the bottom of what's going on in their lives," he said.
Now in its fifth year, R U OK? Day has become an annual reminder to be aware of the emotional state of others.
