Jessica Iustini
On 29 March 2026, I’ll be taking on the 20 Hours Challenge here in Perth - sitting in a 2 metre square box for 20 hours, with no technology and no talking.
Just me, my thoughts, a journal, and a chair.
I’ll be doing this at almost 37 weeks pregnant, which feels especially meaningful. Pregnancy is such a powerful season, but it can also be physically and emotionally overwhelming - and it’s a reminder that mental health matters in every stage of life, even the ones that look full of joy from the outside.
This challenge is designed to give a small glimpse into the isolation and mental weight that so many people experience when they’re struggling with their mental health.
As a young woman, a mum of almost three, and someone working in the legal profession, I know how often we’re expected to keep going, keep coping, and keep showing up - even when things feel heavy underneath.
Mental health has touched my life personally, and I’ve also witnessed its impact amongst friends and family. It can be dark, lonely, and incredibly confronting - and too often, people suffer quietly.
The statistics are still heartbreaking:
- Suicide 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)
That’s why I’m doing this - to support 20Talk, a charity focused on making mental health education accessible, relatable, and preventative, especially for young people.
Your donations will help fund:
- Mental Health Maintenance courses for young people
- Expansion of 20Talk’s resources and online community
- Large-scale interactive mental health events
By improving mental health literacy, removing stigma, and encouraging early professional support, we can help prevent people from reaching crisis point in the first place.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this, and for supporting a cause that truly matters.
If this resonates with you, or if you’re struggling, please know you’re not alone - and I’m always here.
With love,
Jess
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