20 Hours of Silence for Youth Mental Health
Over the years, I've had my own mental health challenges, and watched people I love deal with theirs too. Like many, I've seen what it can do to us, and how it affects those who love us.
You've probably felt the pull to keep busy. To keep scrolling instead of sitting with hard feelings of pain, grief, shame and guilt.
On 5 December, I'm taking on the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge. Sitting in a 2×2 metre square in a warehouse, alongside 300+ other participants, for 20 hours straight.
No talking. No technology. No phone. No book. Just the essentials: a chair, a sleeping mat, a journal and water. No distractions.
It's a small glimpse into the isolation that someone living with mental health challenges can feel every single day, and a reminder to myself that it's possible to sit with hard thoughts instead of running from them.
Only 2% of mental health funding goes towards prevention. I'm taking on this challenge to do my little bit to help change that, and to stand in solidarity with anyone navigating these experiences.
Thank you for taking the time to read this, and for whatever you're able to give. Every dollar goes further than you'd think, and this small challenge will genuinely help change people's lives.
And, you ever need a listening ear, I'm here. 💛
Where your donation goes
20Talk is a mental health charity that makes prevention education relatable, for young people, by young people.
Your contribution helps fund:
• Every $120 puts a young person through a one-day Mental Health Maintenance course
• Expanding 20Talk's online resources and 60,000+ strong social media community
• Running large-scale, interactive mental health events.
What is Mental Health Maintenance?
Mental Health Maintenance (MHM) is a free, one-day workshop built with industry experts to help people understand and engage with their own wellbeing, and learn practical ways to monitor it. It's designed to equip people with the knowledge and tools to look after their mental health before reaching crisis point — improving mental health literacy, reducing stigma, and encouraging people to seek help earlier. You can learn more at 20talk.com.au.
So proud of you for taking this on! A great challenge for an important cause ❤️