R u ok?

Thursday 10th September 2015 was R U OK DAY.

How often do we ask this question? Generally it implies something is wrong. When you ask this question, you often get “Yeah, I’m fine, why?” It shouldn’t be unusual for us to ask someone are they ok – it should be frequent and it should also be normal for them to be able to answer “no, i’m not” if they are in need of help.

Talking is so important and sometimes just sharing with someone our worries, concerns and fears, it can lighten the burden. More often than not when you speak something out loud, it diminishes it’s power. “A problem shared is a problem halved.”

I feel blessed to have family, friends and even kind strangers around me who have helped me through difficult times. I know that in a time of trouble I can say “I’m not ok” and there will be a support network around me to help me deal with this problem.

There are also incredible sites and resources you can visit to learn more and to get help:

R U OK?

What is r u ok day?

R U OK? is a not-for-profit organisation founded by Gavin Larkin in 2009, whose vision is a world where we’re all connected and are protected from suicide. Accordingly, our mission is to encourage and equip everyone to regularly and meaningfully ask “are you ok?” 

Learn more at R u ok website : www.ruok.org.au

Lifeline – Call 13 11 14

Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.

Somewhere in Australia there is a new call to Lifeline every minute. People call Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis line 13 11 14 about:

• Suicidal thoughts or attempts
• Personal crisis
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Loneliness
• Abuse and trauma
• Stresses from work, family or society
• Self-help information for friends and family

For more information visit: https://www.lifeline.org.au/

Black Dog Institute

The Black Dog Institute is a world leader in the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mood disorders such as depression and bipolar disorder.

For more information: www.blackdoginstitute.org.au

In October 2015, I will travel to Bhutan to Trek for Happiness! I will be personally raising $3500 for the work of Black Dog Institute. I wish to support those living with mood disorders and to break the stigma that surrounds mental health. Each year, Black Dog Institute aims to advance the understanding, diagnosis and management of depression and Bipolar Disorder and improve the lives of those affected by these mood disorders. Please help me in my cause by donating through my page.

Sponsor here:http://bhutantrektohappiness.gofundraise.com.au/page/LovellyEmma