20 hours of silence with no technology is hard… but so is struggling with mental health.
After reading about this event through social media I was immediately drawn in by the concept and what it stands for. The idea of sitting in silence sounded like such an introspective experience .. something which I love to indulge in. Even more so it was for a cause that means something to me, as someone who has struggled with depression and anxiety in my youth. I must admit after signing up I am a little scared about having no technology and the places my mind will wander. However, I am willing to do this as a challenge to myself and for the youth struggling today. Please support me in providing the means for young kids to have the tools to overcome the hurdles of life :)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
$106.12
Mona Faatau
$106.12
Jason Estephan
You can do it !
$106.12
Mary-anne Estephan
Well done Layla! I'm so proud of you ❤
$103.72
Anonymous
$80.96
Grayelf
$54.84
Julie Maakrun
GO LAYLA!!
$50
Landon Henderson
Woohoo go Layla!!!
$50
Georgia Tonna
So proud of you hun!
$50
Cara
What an amazing cause! You've got this!
$40
Anonymous
$28.43
Anonymous
Proud of you, this is an amazing initiative
$28.43
Adriana S
Life is really hard. Thanks for taking the time to acknowledge it, care and help. Proud of you Layla.
$28.43
Minerva Estephan
$25
Magena
Good luck you chatterbox!
$25
Rania
$23.50
Karenkra
What a cool event & cause, Layla! Enjoy! :)
$23.50
Linda Rowe
$23.50
George Estephan
$22
Anonymous
You’re doing an amazing job Moomy
$20
Jordan Ferdinands
Good job Layla!
$5
Emma The Barista
Sorry I cant send more. But I wish u the best and cheering ya on!
Proud of you Layla, you go girl 💜