Deb Chikura

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

What I have learnt so far is...

This morning l was a bit nervous about what I was going to take with me on the day of the challenge.I went through the list of people who could possibly help me take my therapy pod for me to the venue at 3am ..but l was worried that it was unfair for me to ask anyone to carry that burden for me at 3am...So at that point l reflected on what it means in other aspects of mental health or other parts of us that could need some humanly help but are scared of being a pain to the next person.I imagined that this could be what one going through a rough patch would think or imagine..not wanting to be a burden to someone.

This challenge has given me an opportunity to be vulnerable ,to get myself out of the hyper independent self and ask for help through donations.I have been so proud of myself when l actually sent the messages to different people in my contact list asking for help...and actually getting the help l asked for.The old me would have just picked a few shifts at the hospital and paid for it but that will not help with the message I am trying to convey.I have had great conversations around the topic with my peers and the generous sponsors as l explained why l was going to sit in silence with my thoughts for 20 hours.

This process has taught me to be able to be more vulnerable in the future and also trust that I can ask for help and get it ..that l do not need to carry the huge "therapy pod" by myself but when my muscles are too small ..l can sweetly ask for help and humans can be kind.

Thank you to all who have helped so far even with the words of encouragement and the thumbs up as this is confirmation to the youth that yes people can help you if you need help ...please ask for help when the world is hurting and confusing ..please reach out and ask for help....

How are you ? … Really how are you doing?

Usually when asked “How are you ? “

The automatic answer is “Good thanks… how are you ?”

Well that’s usually my answer .. but that could be a total huge lie.

I remember years ago l had a relationship breakdown and a death in the family on my way to work and l walked in with a smile on my face because it was a new job and l didn’t “want to bother anyone with my troubles “

I wondered to myself how many people are having their lives falling apart and they still have to smile because we are now programmed to look happy all the time.

The number of tears we have cried in the showers or in the cars are never ending… but if unfortunately it becomes too much and one can’t “get over it” or “get on with it” … what happens.

My participation in this campaign is to help teach our youth that it’s time to break the traditional ways of being… for them to be able to say … “ Actually l am having a rubbish day and l really feel like crying right now…

I hope today after reading this … ask your loved one … “ How are you doing? … Really how are you ?

How are you ..like really ..How are you doing?

Hi everyone,

As a mum, nurse, writer , immigrant l have known and seen the silent suffering of fellow humans as we navigate life’s challenges. I will be taking this challenge to remind everyone that not all mental illnesses are easy to step out of and at times even to understand. Most people with mental illnesses don’t know how to seek help… check in on your loved ones and authentically have those conversations on “How are you … like really… How are you doing?” And start from there … being kind and understanding if you are lucky enough to be in a position to do so.

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My Achievements

Fundraising page

Updated Profile Pic

Received 5 Donations

Reached Goal

Thank you to my Sponsors

$106.12

Desmond Maruziva

$106.12

Anonymous

All the best

$54.12

Steve

This is an amazing & full on challenge. I wish you all the best as you take it on.

$54.12

Samson Manyange

$54.12

Mike Cheneka

$54.12

Rob Derries

Great work Deb 👍🏼👍🏼

$54.12

Leon

Good luck Deb, hope it goes really well for you.

$52.92

Shalene

All the best Deb

$52.92

Kevin

$50

Cr Mush

$27.81

Anonymous

$27.81

Deb

What I have learnt so far is...

How are you ? … Really how are you doing?

How are you ..like really ..How are you doing?

Help me reach my goal

Raised

$694

My Goal

$1,000

Select amount to donate

My Achievements

Thank you to my Sponsors

Desmond Maruziva

Anonymous

Steve

Samson Manyange

Mike Cheneka

Rob Derries

Leon

Shalene

Kevin

Cr Mush

Anonymous

Winnie W