R U OK Day is Thursday 17 September, a day which encourages Australians to connecting meaningfully with people around us who may be struggling with life.

The following experts in mental health and suicide prevention from the University of the Sunshine Coast – and the Sunshine Coast Mind and Neuroscience – Thompson Institute are available to comment:

Dr Amanda Clacy: 07 5456 3895 or aclacy@usc.edu.au

Research areas include suicide prevention and community-based health interventions. She recently delivered a workshop on media reporting of suicide.

Dr Larisa McLoughlin: 07 5456 3887 or lmclough@usc.edu.au

Research includes cyberbullying and how these experiences may influence mental health in adolescents.