Ashli Beckett

In order to raise funds for mental health charity 20Talk, I'm going to take on the challenge of sitting in a 2 metre square box for 20 hours with no technology and no talking. This challenge will be a small look into the day of someone struggling with mental health. All I will have is my own thoughts, a journal and a chair to sit on.

So why am I doing this?

I am taking on this challenge in honour of my late husband, MSG Justin P. Sweat - a decorated soldier, a devoted husband, and an extraordinary father. Justin served the United States Army for 21 years as an infantryman, deploying five times to Afghanistan and Iraq. He led with courage, integrity, and selflessness, earning the respect of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him. 

He mentored countless soldiers, carried their burdens as his own, and never hesitated to put others before himself.

Behind his strength, Justin carried invisible wounds from years of combat, loss, and trauma. He grieved the battle buddies he never got to bring home and fought relentlessly against PTSD. 

He did everything he was told to do - he asked for help, he reached out, he tried to heal - but he was ultimately failed by the very organization he had dedicated his life to serving. 

Even so, he never stopped fighting. Justin was the bravest person I have ever known. He faced his pain with the same courage he showed on the battlefield, but tragically, this was a battle he did not survive.

I raise funds for mental health awareness and suicide prevention because Justin’s story is not one of weakness - it is one of love, sacrifice, and unimaginable strength. This challenge is my way of honoring his life and ensuring that others do not have to fight alone. 

If you are struggling, please know this: no matter what lies your mind may tell you, you matter. You are needed. Your presence in this world has value beyond what you can see in your darkest moments. 

Justin’s life - and his loss - fuel my commitment to speak up, to raise awareness, and to fight for a future where asking for help is met with compassion, action, and hope.

We have all been touched in some way or another by the reality of mental health. It can be dark, lonely, and confronting.

Structurally, the statistics are still alarming..

• Suicide still 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 to turn these statistics around. Your contribution goes towards 20Talk's relatable prevention campaigns. They are a mental health charity that makes education cool and accessible, for young people by young people.

Your generous donations go towards:

• Every $120 puts a young person through a one day Mental Health Maintenance cours
• Expanding 20Talk's online resources and 60,000+ social media community
• Running large-scale interactive mental health events

By improving mental health literacy, removing harmful stigma, and encouraging professional help-seeking we are preventing people from getting people into crisis in the first place.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post and for donating to the cause. Hopefully this small challenge can help change someone’s life.

If you ever need to chat, I’m always here. Love you all and thanks again!