Yesterday’s Suicide Prevention Awareness Network (SPAN) walk was an important reminder to take the time to check the mental well-being of your friends, family members and work colleagues.

As beyondblue CEO Kate Carnell reminded walk participants, we all have a social responsibility to lend a hand and prevent suicide.

Usually people are a little reluctant to speak to the press about “touchy subjects” or to share details of their personal struggles.

But at yesterday’s SPAN walk people were more than happy to open up, let the tears flow and speak out about suicide.

One woman broke down as she told me how yesterday’s walk had finally given her an opportunity to grieve for a loved one lost to suicide in the 1970s.

“It just wasn’t talked about back then,” she said.

Another young woman shared details about her own struggle with depression and how she was now coming out the other side.

It is clear that yesterday’s walk was a big step in the right direction towards removing the taboos surrounding suicide.

Let’s keep that momentum moving and remember the role we can all play in each others’ lives – ask questions, learn to recognise the signs and lend a hand to those who are struggling.

And take some time out today to ask someone that simple but all-important question: “Are you OK?”

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