Dexter Morgan

Here I go again on my own. ;)

Hi everybody,

On the 28th of March from 4:00 AM to midnight on the 29th, I’m taking part in 20 Hours for 20 Talk — a fantabulous event raising $1,000 per participant for youth Mental Health, supporting young people who face challenges every day.

During the event, I will sit in a 2x2 metre square for 20 hours in complete silence. Yes, we are allowed to go to the toilet — and even in the ladies’ loo, we don’t speak! We can only bring a camping chair, a sleeping bag, and a journal. We provide our own three meals, so we won’t go hungry.

These 20 hours are spent contemplating, processing, thinking, remembering, anticipating, watching, observing — just being — all in silence. The phenomenal leaders check in on us regularly, reminding us that while we are there for Mental Health, our own headspace matters too.

Last year there were enriching activities like a didgeridoo musician and guest speakers (they were allowed to speak — we were not). It’s about personal growth as much as supporting friends, family, and even strangers who face challenges we may or may not understand.

It is a time to stop and think. To breathe. To observe. It is invigorating, amazing, and sometimes scary. It is silent. It is you in your head. It is empowering. It is group work and individual reflection all at once.

My mind does not do silence well, yet without distractions it learned to just be — to breathe, think, and process without expectations. If you think, “I could never do that,” I challenge you — because I thought the same, and it changed me.

It may be easier than you think.
It is invigorating.
It is refreshing.
It is me.

If you are able, 20 Hours for 20 Talk and I appreciate any donation towards supporting Mental Health in youth. Every contribution, big or small, helps make a difference in the lives of young people who need this support. Otherwise let me know what you think I could do in the 20 hours of complete since, I have a few ideas, what would you do? Last year I journalled, I recited the alphabet backwards, I counted an hours’ worth of seconds, I slept, I wrote a short love story of a cute guy I met who was also participating in the event, I walked, I did a few activities, I ate my food slowly enjoying each bite, I drew, I doodled. I sat and observed. What else could I do? You tell me. X

Thank you for your kindness and support — it means more than you know to many people that we do not know. Thanks again for your chats, ideas, donations and support. 😊 😊 😊

 Next year, come join me and I'll sponsor you. :)

https://www.20hoursfor20talk.com.au/fundraisers/theresachurchill/20-hours-for-20talk-perth-march-28

Blessings to all, 
Theresa

In order to raise funds for this much needed 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, how much we stay in our heads, places we go, faces that help us pull through it and how we combat these thoughts, feelings and emotions, often. 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 $120 puts a young person through a one day Mental Health Maintenance cours
• 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!