Alessandra Bizzanelli

Why 20 Hours of Silence?

I’m taking on the 20 Hours for 20Talk challenge — 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 experiencing mental health challenges might feel every day. 

This cause is also deeply personal to me. Over the past year, I’ve experienced a lot of change - much of it incredibly bittersweet. Part of that journey has been coming out - which, while empowering, has also come with significant changes to my life, along with mental health challenges. 

I’ve been incredibly supported by so many beautiful friends, colleagues, members of my family, and my amazing, loving partner, Emma. I’m so grateful for the people who have helped me during this time - and it’s a big part of why this challenge matters so much.

So - why am I doing this?

Because mental health affects us all - and the statistics are 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 change this. 

Your contribution supports 20Talk’s relatable prevention campaigns — a mental health charity making education accessible, engaging, and led by young people, for young people.

Your donation helps:

• Put a young person through a one-day Mental Health Maintenance course ($120)

• Expand 20Talk’s online resources and 60,000+ social media community

• Deliver large-scale, interactive mental health events

What is Mental Health Maintenance?
Mental Health Maintenance (MHM) is a free, one-day workshop designed with industry experts to help people better understand and engage with their wellbeing. It equips individuals with practical tools to monitor and maintain their mental health before reaching crisis point. By improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and encouraging early help-seeking, MHM aims to prevent crisis before it begins.

You can learn more at www.20talk.com.au.

Personally, I’m also hoping this experience will be meaningful in its own way — especially as I’ve recently started exploring more meditation. I hope it challenges me, grounds me, and gives me space to reflect.

More than anything, I hope we can raise funds to support young people with the tools they need to stay well — before things reach crisis point.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this and for supporting this cause. Hopefully, this small challenge can help make a real difference in someone’s life (and in mine). 

Love you all, and thank you again 🤍