Alison Rowan

Mental health challenge

Mental health is something that affects everyone, whether we openly talk about it or not. For me, choosing to take part in the 20-hour mental health challenge isn’t just about completing something difficult—it’s about raising awareness, starting conversations, and reminding people that they’re not alone.

One of the biggest reasons this challenge matters to me is because of my experience working with young people who struggle with their mental health. I’ve seen firsthand how issues like anxiety, low mood, poor sleep, and difficulty concentrating can affect their daily lives. For many of them, even getting through a normal day can feel overwhelming.

What stands out the most is how often these young people suffer quietly. Some don’t feel comfortable speaking up, while others worry about being judged or not taken seriously. This is why raising awareness is so important—because the more we talk about mental health, the more we create safe spaces for young people to open up and seek support.

Taking on this 20-hour challenge is my way of showing support and solidarity. While the challenge itself is temporary, it represents the ongoing struggles that many young people face every day. It’s also a way for me to step outside my comfort zone and reflect on the importance of resilience, understanding, and empathy.

I also want to help break down the stigma surrounding mental health. Too often, people feel like they have to hide what they’re going through or “push through” on their own. Through this challenge, I hope to encourage more open conversations and remind people—especially young people—that it’s okay to ask for help.

Mental health doesn’t just affect individuals—it impacts families, friendships, schools, and entire communities. Supporting young people means supporting the future, and making sure they feel heard, valued, and understood.

Ultimately, I’m taking part in this challenge because I care. I care about raising awareness, I care about reducing stigma, and I care about the young people I work with who face these challenges every day. If this challenge helps even one person feel seen or supported, then it will be worth it.

Take a moment to check in with yourself or someone around you. A simple conversation can make a big 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.