Darien Community Comes Together For World Mental Health Day

DARIEN, CT — More than 100 Darien businesses and organizations are displaying blue hearts in their windows this week as part of a community-wide campaign recognizing World Mental Health Day and encouraging residents to "check in on someone you love."

The initiative, led by the local nonprofit Wave Strong, also includes free blue heart temporary tattoos being handed out at The Depot, the Darien Community Association, Mama Carmela’s and Gofers. Organizers say the effort is meant to promote compassion, reflection and open conversation around mental health.

"For the past three years, Wave Strong has been on a mission to break down the stigmas of mental health for the betterment of Darien," the group said in its announcement. The organization partnered with the Darien Chamber of Commerce to coordinate the town-wide display.

The Darien Community Association will host a Wellness Walk on Thursday, Oct. 10, at 10 a.m. at the DCA. The event is free and open to the public, with registration encouraged at dariendca.org.

Students are also participating in the awareness effort. The Wave Strong Club at Darien High School, led by junior Lindsey Dauk and made up of 106 members, is decorating all seven public schools with thousands of blue paper hearts featuring messages such as "Mental Health Matters," "Asking for help is a super power," and "You are loved."

World Mental Health Day, first observed in 1993 by the World Federation for Mental Health and the World Health Organization, is an annual campaign to promote mental well-being and reduce stigma.

Those in crisis or seeking support can contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.