Why this fundraiser and not a marathon
I’m the first person to acknowledge and agree that nowhere near enough is done to help and support youth, or anyone, struggling with mental health. That resources are inaccessible, aren’t relatable, miss the mark, make people feel more alone, or should be designed with people experiencing mental health challenges.
And I’m the last person to run a marathon, or cycle across the country to raise money. Not because I don’t think it’s important — but because that doesn’t resonate with me as a way to experience or imagine what it’s like to have some of the mental health challenges so many Australians do.
When I came across 20 hours for 20Talk, I thought — damn, that’s rough. No speaking, music, tech or distractions for 20 hours. Just you and your thoughts. But that’s the reality for so many. The inescapable thoughts that haunt every corner of the mind, with whispers loud enough to be heard over maxed out volumes, and that are like popup ads no matter how many anti virus programs you have on your computer.
And unfortunately, when those thoughts get so overwhelming and so loud, sometimes it feels like there’s only one way to make them stop. That shouldn’t be the case, no one should feel like that. I’ve felt like that and throughout my life, to varying degrees — I’ve been dealing, struggling, battling, and overcoming my own mental health issues.
I’d love your support as I do 20 hours for 20Talk, and to help 20Talk help more young Australians feel less alone, with better, more accessible resources.
Take a bag of oranges 🍊