Are You Okay Day

Are You Okay Day is marked on the second Thursday of September. In 2026, this date falls on September 10. This Australian observance encourages everyone to check in with friends, family, and colleagues by asking a simple question: “Are you okay?”.

History of Are You Okay Day

The day originates from a personal tragedy. In 1995, Barry Larkin died by suicide, leaving his family devastated. His son, Gavin Larkin, wanted to prevent other families from experiencing the same loss. In 2009, he launched the R U OK? campaign with a single question: “Are you okay?” The goal was to start conversations that could save lives.

Gavin Larkin passed away from cancer in 2011, but his legacy continued. The R U OK? organization grew into a national suicide prevention charity. A documentary about the story behind R U OK? was released in 2011. The campaign now provides resources and guidance on how to have these life-changing conversations. Are You Okay Day became an annual event to remind Australians to connect regularly.

Why is Are You Okay Day important?

This day addresses social isolation and community cohesiveness. It gives everyone an opportunity to be seen, heard, and understood. The campaign focuses on building the skills of the help-giver, teaching people how to recognize when someone might be struggling and how to respond. It encourages investing time in relationships and creating informal support networks among friends, family, and colleagues.

Are You Okay Day also works to remove the stigma around mental illness. By normalizing the question “Are you okay?”, it makes it easier for people to open up about their struggles. The day highlights that a simple conversation can make a difference. It reminds us that we all have a role to play in suicide prevention.

• Every year, more than 700,000 people die by suicide worldwide.
• 79% of suicides occur in low- and middle-income countries.
• Women are three times more likely to attempt suicide than men.
• Men are 3.5 times more likely to die by suicide than women.
• Youth in the queer community are five times more likely to take their lives than their peers.

How to Celebrate Are You Okay Day

Wear yellow, the official color of R U OK? This signals that you are ready to speak with someone who needs help. Start a conversation by simply asking “Are you okay?”. If someone hesitates or says they are not okay, that’s your cue to listen and encourage action. The R U OK? campaign recommends four steps: Ask, Listen, Encourage action, and Check in. Following up later proves you meant it.

Attend awareness programs run by the R U OK? organization. These programs teach you how to be a help-giver and what to do in serious situations. Workplaces can host morning teas or workshops to create a low-pressure reason for people to connect. Many organizations partner with mental health charities for fundraising and awareness events. The goal is to make meaningful conversations a regular habit, not just a one-day event. – Wear yellow or pin a smile badge to your lapel. – Ask someone “Are you okay?” and listen with an open mind. – Encourage action, such as seeking professional help or taking time for self-care. – Check in with them a few days later to show you care. – Host a workplace morning tea or community event to promote connection.

Are You Okay Day Dates