Danielle

1 month to go!

My Why

I look back on my 20’s as my most rewarding, yet terrifying lesson in Mental Health. It isn’t something you sign up for, nor are ever prepared for, and often you aren’t aware that you’re even facing challenges let alone struggling, until you’re right in the thick of it.

Having the 'wisdom' now in my 30’s, I understand that it is a lifelong commitment that will continue to expand and unfold in whichever direction I nurture it, but there is still a deep ache and sadness for my younger self who went through it alone. Looking back over the past decade I can understand that when I wasn’t pausing to check in on my health, my mental health would eventually stop my life as I knew it which created further hurdles to overcome.  

Growing up in the ‘age of the internet’ we were spoilt for choice of entertainment and information, however when it came to real education and tangible resources to support mental health or communities to talk to, there were very few options beyond Dr Google and MSN. It really evolved during 2020 when I learnt the positive impact of reducing social pressures, but the detrimental impact of spending hours on social media and feeling the heavy impacts of isolation.

Which is why I am so passionate about 20Talk, being such a relatable, passionate and impactful charity that initiates real action and provides the tools to do so. Action that inspires taking ownership and ultimately empowering an individualised approach to addressing youth mental health.

Whilst there have been significant experiences that have perpetuated my determination, having a deeper understanding and relationship with my own mind and sense of identity in this world has ultimately shaped my perspective and enthusiasm to advocate for others to follow their own journey.

I am undertaking this challenge in honour of my younger self, who rode the waves of young adulthood with a relentless enthusiasm (and rose-coloured glasses) and when faced with life obstacles, did the best she could with what she knew at the time.

To me this challenge represents the importance of pausing and creating time for myself to just ‘be’. To nourish my mind without distraction, to allow space for deeply stored emotions to rise to the surface and be processed, and to really listen to my mind and honour what it needs going forward.  To advocate, share awareness and inspire others to dedicate even just 20 minutes out of their day, for their mental health.

A 2m x 2m space and 20 hours of silence may sound like torture for an ADHD mind, but if anything, it’s a perfect blank canvas for my loud and energetic mind to express the creative and colourful path forward.