Amy

AHHHHHH! I’m so excited for this challenge!!!

So, why am I volunteering to sit in a 2x2 metre square, alone, in silence, with no phone, no music, no noise—just me, my swag, a notebook, and a chair—for 20 hours?

I’ve never told anyone this (so be prepared!) but back in 2023, I was diagnosed with high-functioning depression and ADHD by a therapist.

For most of my life, I thought I had already faced my share of battles. I grew up with an abusive, alcoholic, and mentally ill father. Those years shaped me in ways I’m still unpacking today. When I finally got away from that environment, I thought, This is it. I finally get to be happy now.

I had everything I thought I needed:

• A loving partner

• Friends who truly cared about me

• Two jobs I enjoyed

• Our own beautiful home

• Adventures and fun things planned.

But here’s the thing: the thoughts didn’t stop.

Living with the constant noise in my head.

Inside my mind, there was a relentless voice whispering—and sometimes screaming—things like:

“You should be happy.”

“You’re ungrateful.”

“What’s wrong with you? You have no reason to feel like this.”

It was exhausting. I felt like I was failing at life, even though on the outside, everything looked fine. That’s the thing about high-functioning depression—you can keep going, keep smiling, and no one has any idea how much you’re struggling.

Why This Challenge Matters to Me

When I heard about this challenge—20 hours alone with nothing but my thoughts—I felt a mix of fear and curiosity. Could I handle that silence? Could I sit with myself without distractions?

I realised that’s exactly why I need to do it. I’ve spent so much time running from my thoughts, drowning them out with noise, work, and busyness. Maybe it’s time to stop running.

This challenge is about facing myself head-on. It’s about giving my mind the space to breathe, to feel, to heal. And maybe, just maybe, I’ll walk away with a little more understanding, a little more peace, and a little less fear of my own thoughts.

What I Hope You Take Away

If you’ve ever felt like you “should” be happy but you’re not, please know you’re not broken. You’re human. Your feelings are valid, even if they don’t make sense to anyone else.

Here’s to 20 hours 4 20Talk and whatever I find there.

Every donation is going towards 20Talk which is a mental health charity that helps young adults integrate relatable mental health tools into their lives. 

Thank you for standing with me 🫶