Are You Okay Day is an annual celebration held on the second Thursday of September in Australia. The date this year is September 14. On this day, Australians check in on one another, particularly those who are enduring difficult times. It is wonderful that days like Are You Okay Day are observed to ensure that we and those around us are seen, heard, and comprehended. The day also focuses on the social isolation and community cohesion crises. Focusing on suicide prevention and counselling, Are You Okay Day saves lives.
The background of Are You Okay Day
Barry Larkin’s suicide in 1995 left his family and friends in profound sorrow and with many unanswered issues. In 2009, Gavin Larkin decided to take action regarding his father’s suicide. To honour his father and prevent further fatalities, he thought of a single question: “Are you okay?” Gavin and several of his companions decided to launch a nationwide campaign. R U OK? was created from this realisation and their expertise and passion.
Gavin died of cancer in 2011, but he genuinely believed that a conversation could alter a person’s life. His legacy is now a topic of national conversation. R U OK? is a harm and suicide prevention organisation that encourages individuals to engage in dialogues that can aid others and themselves in navigating difficult times. In 2011, a documentary was produced about the remarkable tale behind R U OK?
R U OK? focuses on enhancing the motivation, self-assurance, and skills of the helper, particularly in recognising suicidal ideation swiftly. The organisation contributes to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging individuals to invest more time in their relationships and develop an informal support network consisting of family, friends, and coworkers. It is more important to cultivate skills as a helper than to ask for assistance when you need it. Are You Okay Day also aims to eliminate the stigma associated with mental illness.
Are You Okay? Day Events
Wear yellow
Yellow is the official colour of the R U OK? campaign. Are You Okay Day is observed by donning yellow or pinning a smile pin on your lapel. This indicates that you are prepared to communicate with a person in need of assistance.
“Are you feeling okay?”
Ask yourself and those around you if you’re all right. On Are You Okay Day, start a conversation by merely asking, “Are you okay?” If someone hesitates in answering or tells you they are not doing alright, that’s your cue to spring into action.
Attend education programmes
On Are You Okay Day, R U OK? conducts a number of suicide prevention awareness programmes. Attend one of the programmes to learn how to provide assistance and what to do in an emergency.
5 Interesting Suicide Facts
Every year, more than 700,000 individuals die of suicide.
79% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income nations.
Women are three times as likely as males to attempt suicide.
Men are three-and-a-half times more likely than women to commit suicide.
Youth from the LGBTQ community are five times more likely to commit suicide than their heterosexual counterparts.
ARE YOU OKAY DAY DATES
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | September 8 | Thursday |
| 2023 | September 14 | Thursday |
| 2024 | September 12 | Thursday |
| 2025 | September 11 | Thursday |
| 2026 | September 10 | Thursday |
