Why I have chosen to embark on this challenge.
On reflection, I have personally struggled with my mental health since I was a young teenager. Though I only developed an awareness of how poor my mental health was in my early 30s after talking with a friend who shared their experiences with their own mental health. Talking to other people about the chatter in your head and about experiences in your life can be life-changing. It was for me. One lightbulb moment of “I think I need help”. I sought help through a psychologist- had about 5 sessions. Then I sought my own exposure to personal development resources- books, podcasts, TedX Talks on YouTube. I’ve also done Kinesiology, EMDR and lots of journalling to work through past traumas and to start healing my inner child. It’s been a 6 year journey so far and a very fruitful journey. Attending A-Factor (an immersive 3 day workshop) in Sydney, run by Joseph McClendon III, in March 2025 was where my life really changed as it was a brain jumpstart into the life that I authentically want to live.Since in my 20s, despite having a family that loves me and multiple amazing friends, I had many moments where I wanted my life to end and I wished to not wake up the next day.
My journey for the past 6 years has led me to where I am now, where I WANT to live and I’m determined to experience many beautiful things in life.
I know it will be a lifelong journey as it should be. We are ever changing, ever growing beings with boundless potential!
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!
