Ames

The reason | So we can all have the chance to dance in the storms

I’m no stranger to spiraling thoughts.

Dark days that blur into weeks.

A glance at a tree and my brain quietly pleads, “Just… some peace.”

Then other days, there’s laughter. Euphoria. So much love.

That’s the beast, how our minds can swing from magic to mayhem and back again.

But I’ve been lucky. In my darkest moments, when the nights were loud and long, I’ve had people.

People who danced in the storm with me, who held space when the thunder came.

And now? Most days are sunny. Even when it rains, I smile.

But not everyone has that safety. Not everyone makes it through.

Too many don’t.

I know far too many people who have lost their beautiful people to suicide.

I’ve seen families broken by a pain that no one should ever have to bear.

This challenge is for them. For all of us.

So, here’s what I’m doing:

To raise money for suicide prevention through the incredible charity 20Talk, I’ll be taking on the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge.

That means:

🔒 20 hours in a 2-metre-square box

📵 No talking. No technology.

📝 Just me, my thoughts, a journal, and a chair.

It’s a small glimpse into the loneliness, stillness, and discomfort that people in mental distress often face.

It’s uncomfortable, for a reason.

So why this? Why now?

Because suicide is still the leading cause of death for young people aged 15–44 in Australia.

And still, just 2% of mental health funding goes toward prevention.

That’s not enough.

20Talk is changing that. They’re a youth-led charity working to make mental health education accessible, relatable, and preventative.

Your donation will help:

• Fund Mental Health First Aid training for young people ($300 per person)
• Grow a 60,000+ strong online support community
• Run creative, stigma-smashing mental health events

By improving mental health literacy and encouraging early help-seeking, we’re giving people a real chance, before it’s too late.

I’m doing this because I believe in a future where fewer families grieve this loss.

Where fewer names are whispered in sorrow.

And where more people feel safe to stay.

If you’ve lost someone, if you’ve struggled yourself, or if you just want to be part of the change, thank you.

I see you. Let’s dance in the storm, together.

Ax