20 Hours of Silence: From a Brazilian Student to the Cause of Mental Health
My name is Otavio Melo, I’m 27 years old, and I am a Brazilian student currently living here in Perth.
Moving to a new country and balancing the demands of international studies and life isn't always easy. Like many of you, I’ve faced periods of extreme stress and mental exhaustion more than once. I know firsthand what it feels like when your mind is tired and the weight of the world feels heavy.
That’s why I’ve decided to turn my personal journey into action. On March 29th, I will be taking on the challenge of sitting in a 2-metre square box for 20 hours—with no technology and no talking.
Why am I doing this?
Personal Connection: Because I understand that mental health requires constant care and serious attention before it reaches a breaking point.
Focus on Prevention: Currently, only 2% of mental health funding goes toward prevention. I want to help change those statistics so that other young people don’t have to reach a point of crisis.
Community Impact: 20Talk is an incredible charity that makes mental health education "cool" and accessible—run by young people, for young people.
How you can help me:
My goal is to raise $1,000 AUD. Every single donation, no matter the size, makes a massive difference.
$120 puts a young person through a one-day Mental Health Maintenance course.
Your support also helps expand online resources and community events that remove harmful stigmas.
If you can’t donate right now, please share my link with your friends and family. Your support will give me the strength to get through those 20 hours of isolation!
Thank you so much for backing me and this cause. Let’s look out for one another. ❤️
