20 hours of silence, sounds easy right?!…..
I’m sitting in silence for 20 hours, in a 2x2m square on December 6th to support youth mental health and raise awareness for suicide along with 400 other like minded people. All I will have is a journal, seat and a swag. No phone, no distractions, just me and my own thoughts (I know terrifying right!)
Why am I doing this? Many reasons!
I lost a family friend in my early teens and 2 friends to suicide in my early 20’s, suicide is the leading cause of death in ages 15-44, we currently lose 9 people in Australia every day to suicide. And then there’s me, this will be the first time I’ve been truly open and honest outside of less than a handful of close friends and family about my own struggles, which is the reason why I understand and feel this is so deeply important to me.
I’ve battled anxiety and depression for as long as I can remember, I’ve been through disastrous burnout from running a business that nearly ended the business and took me with it, I’ve had mental breakdowns, debilitating panic attacks, most of which I’ve done hiding it all behind a smile. Honestly, not many people know how many times I’ve sat on the edge. I’ve lost friends who should still be here, and I’ve spoken to others who’ve come way to fu**ing close.
I’m lucky to have access to support that so many don’t, but even with that, I’ve spent months on waitlists for help. For too many, that wait is far too long and this is completely unacceptable. I’m fortunate I can afford the help I need so I can stay on top of my mental health, so I can stay, for my kids, for my family and for my friends. For so many people, it’s simply unaffordable and are left without help, especially when only 2% of mental health funding goes towards prevention.
Help me make a difference. Every little bit counts. Your support will help the struggling and underfunded mental health sector by going towards Mental Health Maintenance scholarships for young adults.
Tell your friends you love them. Because behind every smile, there may be someone fighting just to hold it together. ❤️
Thank you to my Sponsors
$316.50
Jesse Jeffrey
$158.25
Paul Rowland
Such a good cause
$106.12
Bell
Such an amazing cause and greatly needed.
$100
Sharyn Schon
Well done Jesse, you got this, so proud of you 🥰😍🤩😘💜💜💜💜💜💜
$50
Tyspn Schon
Props for your efforts and raising money for a good cause, great work mate, I didnt realise you had lost people, I think everyone has lost maybe someone or atleast know a story or two, im lucky having only lost one family friend but it still hurts, ive made a few bad decisions myself and i know how we can make those mistakes, it was great giving you that high five and sharing that moment at prom queen, not that we knew each other's struggles, just kinda acknowledging that we have had them and we are here together and for each other, much love man.
$27.81
Sharon Karyasa
What an incredible initiative to raise awareness for youth mental health Good luck Jesse Love Aunty Shazza & Cousin Lucia
$22.10
