[Lara]

Today has been "R U OK" Day in Australia. 15th of September.

http://www.ruokday.com.au/content/home.aspx

What is R U OK?Day?
Thursday 15 September, 2011

Thursday 15 September, 2011 is R U OK?Day. It’s a national day of action which aims to prevent suicide by encouraging Australians to connect with someone they care about and help stop little problems turning into big ones.

On that day we want everyone across the country, from all backgrounds and walks of life, to ask family, friends and colleagues: "Are you OK?".

Staying connected with others is crucial to our general health and wellbeing. Feeling isolated or hopeless can contribute to depression and other mental illnesses, which can ultimately result in suicide. Regular, meaningful conversations can protect those we know and love.

It's so simple. In the time it takes to have a coffee, you can start a conversation that could change a life.

[Alffe]

What a great idea! Why can't the U.S. do something like this...and every time I see or hear Hugh Jackman I think of Barbo's daughter Pam...she adored him!

Lara, R U OK? Koala...R U OK?

Hugs for the room...hope everyone is ok.

[Lara]

Every day should be "R U OK?" Day. lol

I guess this way is just a reminder for people to reconnect. To notice, to listen, to "see" and to "hear". To share and to care. Not just today, but every single day we are alive.

I'm doing alright, thanks Alffe. Thanks for asking.

It's a tough gig this life, you know!

I've been saying I'm OK and talking myself into being OK since not long after I was born I reckon.

Edited: Some of that time that I've been saying that when people ask, I wasn't really OK (there-in lies the major problem!), but I always seem to get there in the end.

[barbo]

What a lovely custom.

[Koala77]

Originally Posted by Alffe

..... Koala...R U OK?

I wasn't, but I am now. Thank you for asking Alffe, and thank you Lara as well .


I had intended to post about this wonderful innovation but I see that you beat me to it Lara.

There are lots of news articles around that explain RU OK Day, and here's a great little video that explains it well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GmFtQxWPyy8

Other videos here: http://www.ruokday.com.au/content/stories.aspx

And some articles:

http://www.candoability.com.au/CDA/B...ou-OK_200.html

This one includes resources like videos and an article about depression, and what to do if some-one says "No, I'm not OK". http://www.ruokday.com.au/content/home.aspx

There's even a Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ruokday


I guess by including all this information I hope to spread the word. One doesn't have to live in a certain country and it doesn't have to be a special day in order to check on a friend, relative or colleague. By asking "Are you OK?" you might just save a life.

[Alffe]

http://old.news.yahoo.com/s/hsn/2011...hehelptheyneed

[Abbie]

I'm ok

That's about all I can say....

[Lara]

http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specia...ay/default.htm

Brand New Day

12/09/2011

ABC Australian Story - The story of Gavin Larkin - Founder of R U OK? Day.\
Click on index. "Brand New Day" - (Watch Full Program).

[Lara]

Abbie, from way over here, I hope that's true.
As I said in my own post, sometimes I tell people out here that I am OK and that's all I can say, but I'm not. I hope you have people to talk with if you're not. Sometimes you speak in conundrums so it's difficult to know. ACK

[Alffe]

in case you missed it...http://www.abc.net.au/austory/specia...ay/default.htm

~sigh~ I sigh a lot..