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Lend an ear and spread the care on "Are You Okay Day" which falls each year on September 12! This special day was first initiated in Australia and has since become a heartfelt annual observance that encourages people to connect and check up on each other. The history of this day dates back to 2009 when it was founded by Gavin Larkin who wanted to raise awareness about mental health and show his compassion for those struggling. We should all take time on this day to ask the simple yet powerful question, "Are you okay?" to our loved ones and friends. It's a day to ignite meaningful conversations, showing that we genuinely care for one another's well-being. So, this "Are You Okay Day", let's commit to reach out, lend an understanding ear and uplift someone's spirit with our loving presence.
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2009</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Are You Okay Day Founded</div><div class='timeline-text'>Gavin Larkin founded Are You Okay Day in Australia to promote mental health awareness and encourage conversations about wellbeing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2010</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Not-For-Profit Status Acquired</div><div class='timeline-text'>Are You Okay Day officially became a not-for-profit organization committed to advocating and supporting mental health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2012</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Reach</div><div class='timeline-text'>By 2012, the impact of Are You Okay Day was recognized nationally, with multiple events taking place across Australia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2014</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Partnership with Australian Government</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Australian government partnered with the Are You Okay Day organization in a commitment to supporting and promoting mental health.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2016</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Global Awareness</div><div class='timeline-text'>Are You Okay Day started to garner international attention, encouraging people all over the world to check in on each other's wellbeing.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2019</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Celebrating 10th Anniversary</div><div class='timeline-text'>Are You Okay Day celebrated its 10th anniversary, marking a decade of promoting conversations on mental health and wellbeing.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Arrange a virtual check-in</h3><p class='facts-text'>Living in the digital age allows us to connect with people from afar. Arrange a virtual face-time with your friends, family, and colleagues. One by one, ask them, "Are you okay?" This simple gesture can make a world of difference to someone struggling emotionally.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Host a tea party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Tea time isn't just about the beverage; it’s about togetherness. Gather your loved ones for a relaxed tea party and create an open environment for conversations. Check in with each other over a cup of tea.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Send thoughtful messages</h3><p class='facts-text'>A message that shows genuine concern can make someone's day. Send personalized messages to the people you care about and ask "Are You Okay?". It's essential to assure them that they can share their concerns without any judgement.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Conduct a 'wellness drive'</h3><p class='facts-text'>Plan a wellness drive at your workplace or local community center. Invite professionals who can talk about various aspects of mental health and coping strategies, reminding everyone how important it is to check in with each other.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Share personal stories</h3><p class='facts-text'>Bring together a small group of confidantes and share your struggles and victories related to mental health. This activity opens the floor for others to share their stories, reminding them that they are not alone.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Mental Health Awareness</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Are You Okay Day provides a powerful platform for raising awareness about mental health. In encouraging people to ask their peers if they're okay, the day fosters open dialogues about mental and emotional wellbeing which is often stigmatized or ignored.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages Communication & Community</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>On this day, individuals are encouraged to reach out to friends, family and colleagues—promoting communication and strengthening community bonds. Be it a virtual check-in or a relaxed tea party, it's a beautiful way to ensure no one feels isolated and everyone feels valued.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Creates a Culture of Empathy & Understanding</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Are You Okay Day cultivates an environment of empathy and understanding. By sharing personal stories about mental health struggles and victories, people empathize with each other's experiences & learn that they are not alone—thereby nurturing a culture of compassion and mutual support. </p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Founded in Memory of a Loved One</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Are You Okay Day" was established by Gavin Larkin in memory of his father, who lost his life to suicide. Gavin hoped that by encouraging conversations about mental health, others could be saved from the same fate.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Involves a Four-Step Conversation Framework</h3><p class='facts-content'>The "R U OK" organization encourages a four-step conversation framework: 'Ask', 'Listen', 'Encourage action', and 'Check in'. The strategy aims to ensure that the conversation is meaningful and supportive.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>More Than a Suicidal Prevention Initiative</h3><p class='facts-content'>"Are You Okay Day" is not only about suicide prevention - it also promotes general mental well-being. Asking "Are You Okay?" can help someone dealing with stress, anxiety, depression or loneliness feel connected and supported.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Experienced Rapid National & Global Recognition</h3><p class='facts-content'>The impact of "Are You Okay Day" was recognized nationally in just three years since inception. And within seven years, the initiative gained global attention, creating a wave of awareness about mental health across borders.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Continues Beyond Founder's Life</h3><p class='facts-content'>While Gavin Larkin passed away due to cancer in 2011, "Are You Okay Day" continues to flourish each year, carrying on his caring legacy and impacting thousands of lives positively.</p></div></div>
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