Yep… I’m doing it again. 💙
For the second year in a row, I’m taking on the 20 Hours challenge for mental health — 20 hours in a 2m x 2m square, stripped back from the usual noise and distractions of everyday life.
And if you know me, you’ll know that voluntarily signing up for 20 hours where I can’t talk is still slightly ridiculous. This certified chatterbox clearly didn’t learn her lesson the first time. 😂
Last year, this challenge gave me something I didn’t realise I needed: time to stop.
Life is busy. I’m busy. I’m usually thinking about what I need to do next, where I need to be, who I need to respond to and what’s coming tomorrow. For 20 hours, all of that gets stripped away.
It gave me space to think, journal, pray and reflect — not only on my own life and everything I’ve walked through, but on the reality that for so many people, feeling isolated or trapped with their thoughts isn’t a challenge they can simply walk out of after 20 hours.
That’s why I’m coming back for year two.
Far too many lives are still being taken too soon because of mental health, and if putting myself through another 20 hours of silence can help raise awareness, start conversations and support people who are struggling, then I’m in.
My fundraising tally is currently sitting at a very impressive $0 😂, so we are quite literally starting from square one.
There is absolutely no pressure or obligation to donate. Whether you donate, share my page, send some encouragement or simply check in on someone around you, it all matters.
Here’s to round two. 💙
And once again… please pray for the chatterbox. 😂
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!
Go Girl