Why I’m Doing the 20Talk Challenge for Mental Health
This December, I will be taking part in the 20Talk Challenge. 20 hours of silence, with no technology, no distractions – just my thoughts, and a 2x2 space, to raise awareness for mental health.
At first, the idea of being completely silent, with my own thoughts for a long period of time felt a little daunting. I’m someone who loves connection, conversation, and being there for others, so choosing silence feels very uncomfortable. But maybe that’s the point.
Silence gives us space to listen and connect, not just to the world around us, but to ourselves. Lately, I’ve realised how easy it is to fill every moment with noise or distractions - work, family, study, notifications, plans, pressure, doom scrolling, constantly being glued to technology. We move so fast that we forget to check in on how we’re really doing. Most of us don’t even know who we truly out without all the extra “noise”.
For me, this challenge is a chance to pause. To reflect. To sit with my thoughts instead of running from them. It’s about acknowledging that mental health isn’t just about surviving the hard days, but it is also about creating the space to heal, to breathe, and to truly feel whatever emotions we are experiencing.
As someone who takes an interest in health and wellbeing, I see how much we focus on the body in terms of exercise, nutrition, sleep etc. But we all often forget that our minds need just as much care and attention. Mental health doesn’t always look like a breakdown. Sometimes it’s the quiet exhaustion, the constant self-criticism, or the smile you wear when you’re struggling underneath and feeling like you can’t breathe.
During my 20 hours of silence, I’ll be honouring the people who’ve struggled in silence, the ones who felt they couldn’t speak, and the ones who didn’t know how to ask for help. I’ll be doing it for my friends, family, my daughter, and anyone who’s ever said “I’m fine” when they weren’t.
As someone who has also had my own personal health struggles, I’m also doing it for myself. To slow down, to reconnect, and to remind myself that rest and reflection are not weaknesses. They’re necessary.
If even one person sees this and decides to reach out for support, start a conversation, or simply take a quiet moment for themselves, then that silence will have spoken louder than words ever could.
This challenge isn’t just about awareness; it’s about acting. 20Talk is a mental health organisation making a real difference in how we talk about mental health. Every dollar raised goes towards programs and workshops that help young people get support early and know they’re not alone. If you can, please donate! Your contribution can help support someone who needs it most.
Here’s to 20 hours of stillness, awareness, and compassion. Because mental health deserves our time and our attention💛
