Sitting in Silence
Sitting in silence for 20 hours may sound hard .. however it doesn’t compare to the pain of so many young Auzzie’s living in silence not being able to have the courage to reach out and speak to someone… that’s struggle! …not the mere 20 hours I’ll be doing. Hopefully our collective contribution will make a difference.20 Hours of Silence for Youth Mental Health.
I’m taking on the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge which will see me sitting in a 2×2 metre square in a warehouse, alongside 400 other participants, with no talking and no technology for 20 hours. All I’ll have are the essentials I bring with me: a chair, sleeping mat, journal, water, and food. No distractions.
This challenge is a small glimpse into the isolation and struggle that someone with mental health challenges might feel every day. I know it will be tough - physically, mentally, and emotionally - but it’s a challenge I’m taking on to stand in solidarity with those navigating these experiences.So why am I doing this?
We have all been touched in some way by the reality of mental health. It can be dark, lonely, and confronting.
Structurally, the statistics are still alarming:
- Suicide remains the leading cause of death for young people aged 15-44.
- Only 2% of mental health funding goes towards prevention (Mental Health Commission 2022).
I’m completing the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge to help turn these statistics around. Your contribution goes towards 20Talk’s relatable prevention campaigns. They are a mental health charity that makes education cool and accessible, for young people by young people. Your generous donations go towards:
- Every $120 puts a young person through a one-day Mental Health Maintenance course
- Expanding 20Talk’s online resources and 60,000+ social media community
- Running large-scale interactive mental health events'
What is Mental Health Maintenance?
Mental Health Maintence (MHM) is a free, one-day workshop designed with industry experts to help individuals better understand and engage with different areas of their wellbeing, as well as learn effective ways to monitor them. MHM is designed to support people by equippig them with the knowledge and tools to maintai their mental wellbeing before reaching crisis point. By improving mental health literacy, removing harmful stigma, and encouraging professional help-seeking, this workshop hopes to prevent people from reaching crisis in the first place. To learn more, please visit www.20talk.com.au.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for donating to the cause. Hopefully this small challenge can help change someone’s life.
If you ever need to chat, I’m always here. Love you all and thanks again!
Thank you to my Sponsors
$106.12
Anonymous
$100
Anonymous
That’s all it costs to keep you quiet? Wish you had of told me before.
$100
Glenn Farah
$100
Eva Atkinson
It’s going to be hard challenge but not as hard as it is for people battling with mental health problems every day. I’m so proud of you for trying to make the difference. Love you.
$74.77
Agatha Donnelly
It’s me
$72
Charleigh Donnelly
Good luck chatter box
$69
Anonymous
$54.84
Sonja
So proud of you dear friend! You’re doing this for so many people we know and love and you are a true angel! ❤️❤️❤️❤️ lol good luck! You even talked in our yoga class 🤣🤣🤣
$54.84
Deborah White
You go girl
$54.84
Anonymous
$50
Sam Callanan
Go Ags!
$50
Anonymous
$28.43
Cass
You got this babe! I’m so proud of you for even giving it a go!
$28.43
Bianca
You got this Ags goodluck 🙌 you can do it
$28.43
Sin Mariani
Thanks for doing this Aggie x
$28.43
I’m so proud of of you Aggi You’ve got this !!!!