Artemis Mihelakis

Artemis is taking on the 20-hour challenge to support youth mental health and raise awareness about the importance of prevention.

20Talk Challenge: Building a Movement for Youth Mental Health

Mental health has long been a topic shrouded in silence, especially for young people. The pressure to keep going, keep up with expectations, and maintain appearances can weigh heavily on us.

But what if we could change that narrative? What if we could create a space where mental health is just as easy to talk about as any other part of our health?

That’s where 20Talk comes in—a platform that is challenging the status quo, one conversation at a time.

What is 20Talk?

20Talk isn’t just another awareness campaign. It’s a movement, a community built by young people, for young people, with a clear mission: to tackle the growing mental health crisis by making conversations around mental health more accessible, normal, and proactive.

Created in response to the lack of prevention-focused mental health resources, 20Talk aims to shift the conversation from crisis intervention to long-term well-being. Currently, a staggering 98% of mental health funding goes into responding to crises, while only 2% is invested in preventive measures. This glaring imbalance fuels a cycle of reactive care, rather than the proactive support that young people desperately need.

By focusing on education, support, and empowerment, 20Talk is working to flip the script and create lasting change.

The 20Talk Challenge: 20 Hours for Mental Health

The 20Talk Challenge is more than just a fundraising event; it’s an invitation to participate in building a future where mental health is treated with the same importance as physical health. Whether you’re a student, a young professional, or simply someone who believes in the cause, this challenge is for you.

The idea is simple: commit to spending 20 hours engaging in activities that raise awareness, spark conversations, and generate support for mental health. This could be anything from holding discussions about mental well-being, sharing personal experiences, participating in virtual events, or even donating time to help organizations that are on the frontlines of youth mental health.

These 20 hours are symbolic but significant. They represent the time and effort we can all put in to ensure that no young person feels isolated or unheard when it comes to their mental health.

Why Now?

The urgency of the 20Talk movement has never been more clear. Youth mental health has reached crisis levels, with many young people feeling that they have no one to turn to. The stigma surrounding mental health continues to hold us back from seeking the help we need, and there’s a severe lack of accessible, proactive support systems in place.

That’s where 20Talk comes in. Through open dialogue, accessible resources, and an unwavering commitment to change, 20Talk is providing young people with the tools they need to thrive—not just survive. By engaging in the challenge, participants are helping to shift this narrative and create a more supportive, inclusive environment for mental health.

How You Can Get Involved

Join the Challenge: The heart of 20Talk is about engaging with others and creating a ripple effect of awareness. Take the 20-hour challenge and dedicate your time to activities that raise awareness and support youth mental health. Whether it’s organizing a community event, writing a blog post (like this one!), or starting a social media campaign, every little bit counts.
Donate: If time is tight, consider donating to 20Talk to help fund initiatives aimed at mental health education, prevention, and support for young people. Every contribution helps create a stronger foundation for future generations.
Spread the Word: One of the most powerful ways to make a difference is by sharing the message. Talk to your friends, family, or social media followers about the importance of mental health and the need for more preventive support. A single conversation can inspire someone else to take action.
Start the Conversation: No matter how awkward it might feel at first, starting a conversation about mental health can break down the stigma and open up new pathways for support. Ask questions, listen without judgment, and encourage others to speak up. Your voice matters more than you know.

The Impact of the Movement

20Talk is not just about raising awareness—it’s about creating tangible change. By focusing on preventive measures and early intervention, 20Talk is reshaping the way mental health is discussed and supported among young Australians.

Every conversation started, every hour donated, and every dollar raised is a step toward a future where mental health is no longer something we hide or avoid. It’s something we embrace, share, and work toward improving together.

So, whether you’re taking the 20Talk Challenge or simply sharing this blog, remember: you’re part of a movement that’s bigger than just a few hours or a donation. You’re part of a community that’s changing the future of mental health for young people.

Let’s talk about it. Let’s raise awareness. And together, let’s create the change we desperately need.