Dorian Detragiache

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

Why I'm Sitting in Silence for 20 Hours

I’ve signed up for the 20 Hours for 20 Talk charity event. That means I’ll be sitting in a 2 by 2 metre square, alone, in silence, with nothing but a pen, a journal, and my own thoughts for 20 hours straight. No phone. No music. No distractions.

At face value, it might seem like a stunt. But it’s not. For me, it’s personal.

There was a time when I didn’t know how to talk about what I was going through. I pushed through the hard days by shutting down and keeping busy. I masked the weight I was carrying, stayed outwardly “fine,” and put myself last in the process.

It took years, and the help of others, to unlearn that. To realise that silence isn’t strength, and that speaking up isn’t weakness. It’s not easy. Not for anyone. But I’ve learned that being able to express your emotions starts with giving yourself space to feel them.

That’s why I’m doing this. Not to disappear into quiet, but to sit with it. To reflect. To let things rise without needing to fix or hide them. I know it won’t be comfortable. But neither is saying, out loud, “I’m not okay.” And that’s exactly why this matters.

This challenge is about mental health. It’s about normalising the act of talking - of checking in, being honest, and listening to each other properly. If someone sees me sitting in that square and feels a little less alone, then it’s worth it. If someone decides to open up to a mate, or to themselves, that’s a win.

If you’re able to donate, please do. The funds go to an incredible cause supporting people who are struggling and giving them access to the help they need. But even more than that, I hope this sparks a conversation. Not just about mental health, but about the courage it takes to face it.

Thanks for reading. And thanks for being part of something bigger than just 20 hours in a square.