Hillary Costello

My Reason for Participating

Hi all! I am participating in the 20Talk event in March 2026. I think this is a fantastic challenge because, in a world where we are constantly stimulated, we rarely take the time to sit and reflect on ourselves and the world around us. Mental health issues are constantly on the rise, and recent research into the impacts of dopamine spikes has really shown how, regardless of what other struggles we have going on, we cannot find joy in the simple things in life. We are constantly stimulated by our phones, social media, music and podcasts, spicy content, substance misuse, gambling, the list goes on. I’m taking part in this challenge to reset my mind, take time to reflect without distractions, and raise awareness in a way that actually reflects what is going on in the world. All donations, big and small, are greatly appreciated, and I would also be grateful if this could be shared with family and friends to ensure we reach the goal amount. As I turn 30 this year, this challenge is for 10 year old me, 15 year old me, 5 year old me, and for the little kids inside all of us that didn’t have a voice, or the resources, to understand what was going on in the world around us and how it shaped our lives. 

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!