Michael Ellis

Giving it a go

I’m doing this because mental health has obviously been a huge battle in my life. 

With the bullying in high school, the isolation and the need to be part of something. 

I was constantly looking to find ways to change myself so I could be part of a group.

There were heaps of very low moments, but of course I managed to get some big highs too.

When you're in that headspace for such a long time though it is hard to fully appreciate those highs.

So, when I finally accepted my people weren't at that school and no one was going to put in the effort for me there. I decided to drop out 3 days into year 12.

It was the beginning of a new path for me.

The first year out in 2022 wasn't exactly great with still clinging onto a relationship and at the time still drinking alcohol.

Then slowly all that started to fade away as I walked away from people, stopped the bad habits and started really learning phycology and neuroscience in my own time.

All this helped me to understand myself and what I actually felt/feel.

I am by no means perfect now. But I sure am a lot better than I used to be.

So, after all this happened, I created CrossPath and launched July 27th, 2023.

To show my journey that I've had and still having.

As well as to get my message and art out there.

The brand has 3 meanings:

1 - CROSSING the PATH between handmade art and clothing (that I now physically do the full process myself)

2 - CROSS onto your new PATH (to do something you haven't done before or go back to what you used to love)

3 - CROSSING PATHS with new people everyday

So, WEAR IT FOR WHO YOU CROSS PATHS WITH.

I never thought I'd create something that betters people's lives.

I never thought I'd make things people wear.

& I never thought I'd actually still be alive at this point.

But what I knew, is I'd use my art for something.

It's what I've always had, and it continues to help elevate my own life and others.

So, using it for my OWN brand and teaching in schools through ArmedForLife, is absolutely insane!

If you've made it this far, I'd appreciate if you bought a hat or anything from my brand so we can both get my message out there and get money to this cause.

Or just donate to this page. Your choice.

Very keen to do this challenge!

Thank you and CROSS onto your new PATH

THE REST OF THIS IS THE AUTOMATED DESCRIPTION WHAT THE MONEY WILL BE GOING TOWARDS

*In order to raise funds for mental health charity 20Talk, I'm going to take on the challenge of sitting in a 2 metre square box for 20 hours with no technology and no talking. This challenge will be a small look into the day of someone struggling with mental health. All I will have is my own thoughts, a journal and a chair to sit on.

So why am I doing this?

We have all been touched in some way or another by the reality of mental health. It can be dark, lonely, and confronting. 

Structurally, the statistics are still alarming..

• Suicide still 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 to 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 $300 puts a young person through a two-day Mental Health First Aid course
• Expanding 20Talk's online resources and 60,000+ social media community
• Running large-scale interactive mental health events

By improving mental health literacy, removing harmful stigma, and encouraging professional help-seeking we are preventing people from getting people into crisis in the first place.

Thank you for taking the time to read this post 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!