Eep, let's talk about mental health....
I have always been very open about mental health and how it affects me, but it's not always been that way. It's still a bit taboo and people find it odd when we talk about it.20 Hours of Silence for Youth Mental Health.
I’m taking on the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge which will see me sitting in a 2×2 metre square in a warehouse, alongside 400 other participants, with no talking and no technology for 20 hours. All I’ll have are the essentials I bring with me: a chair, sleeping mat, journal, water, and food. No distractions.
This challenge is a small glimpse into the isolation and struggle that someone with mental health challenges might feel every day. I know it will be tough - physically, mentally, and emotionally - but it’s a challenge I’m taking on to stand in solidarity with those navigating these experiences.So why am I doing this?
We have all been touched in some way by the reality of mental health. It can be dark, lonely, and confronting.
Structurally, the statistics are still alarming:
- 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).
I’m completing the 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge to help 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 course
- Expanding 20Talk’s online resources and 60,000+ social media community
- Running large-scale interactive mental health events'
What is Mental Health Maintenance?
Mental Health Maintence (MHM) is a free, one-day workshop designed with industry experts to help individuals better understand and engage with different areas of their wellbeing, as well as learn effective ways to monitor them. MHM is designed to support people by equippig them with the knowledge and tools to maintai their mental wellbeing before reaching crisis point. By improving mental health literacy, removing harmful stigma, and encouraging professional help-seeking, this workshop hopes to prevent people from reaching crisis in the first place. To learn more, please visit www.20talk.com.au.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read this 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!
Thank you to my Sponsors
$318.90
Anonymous
$200
Iain Drennan
Get effort for a great cause. Best of luck Julia!
$127.34
Anonymous
I hope this puts one person through that fantastic sounding course and that they can see brighter days ahead because of it. You’re amazing Ms Julia.
$106.12
Anonymous
$106.12
Ian Millstone
Well done Julia, very proud of you, lot's of love, uncle lan 💙
$80.96
Anonymous
Great cause, great challenge. Good luck!
$54.84
Anonymous
Thanks for supporting such a great cause!
$54.84
Kelly Fisk
Best of luck Jules!!!
$54.84
Cutz On The Run
You are a brave and an amazing lady. We love you.
$54.84
Linda Mc
Julia, wishing you all the best with the challenge. Thank you for supporting such an important cause and helping raise awareness for youth mental health. 💙
$54.84
Kids Playhouse
$54.84
Jan Watson
Good luck Julia and congratulations- a wonderful cause
$54.84
Sandy Zaccar
$54.84
Anonymous
A small contribution for a big cause. Wishing you strength and success!
$54.84
David & Denise
❤️
$50
Elizabeth
Worthy cause. Thank you.
$28.43
Toni
Good luck lady!
$28.43
Michelle
Your amazing Julia 💕🌻
$28.43
Anonymous
$25
Cathy Goodwin
Awareness is our first step 🧡
$23.50
Anonymous
$10
Nella
Good luck Julia it’s a great cause
Happy to support such a meaningful cause and the commitment it takes to undertake this challenge.