There was a time in my life when I never imagined I would be sharing my story publicly. Mental illness was something I carried quietly, often feeling isolated even when I wasn’t physically alone. The loneliness that comes with struggling mentally is hard
There was a time in my life when I never imagined I would be sharing my story publicly. Mental illness was something I carried quietly, often feeling isolated even when I wasn’t physically alone. The loneliness that comes with struggling mentally is hard to explain unless you have lived it. Some days, simply getting through the day felt like an achievement.
Mental illness doesn’t discriminate and it doesn’t disappear just because you try to be strong. It lives in your thoughts, your doubts, and the moments where you feel disconnected from the world around you. I know that feeling deeply. I have lived the ups, the downs, and the long stretches in between where everything feels heavy and uncertain.
I am taking part in 20 Hours for 20 Talk because I believe these conversations matter. I want to help break the silence around mental health and remind others that they are not alone in how they feel. Asking for help is not a weakness. It is one of the bravest things a person can do.
One of the biggest reasons I am here today is because of my family. Their love and support carried me through my hardest moments and reminded me of my worth when I struggled to see it myself. Knowing how much their support helped me makes me certain that the right support can help others too. Everyone deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported.
This challenge is more than just a fundraiser to me. It is about awareness, connection, and showing up for people who might be silently struggling. If my story resonates with even one person, then it is worth sharing.
If you have ever struggled with your mental health or loved someone who has, I would love for you to support me. Whether it is through donating, sharing my page, or simply starting a conversation, every bit of support helps make a difference.
It is okay not to be okay. It is okay to ask for help. And it is so important that we keep talking.
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?
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!
