Why I have chosen to embark on this challenge?
I have embarked on this journey to inspire people to be vulnerable and to open up to trusted family and friends about any troubling thoughts or feelings they may be having.
Start the conversation with “Something is troubling me and I want to share it with someone. Do you have the mental space for me to share it with you?”
To share is not to burden, and to preface the sharing with this question means that you're considering the mental health of the other person, and to prepare them to free up space so they can be present and actively listen to you.
MY JOURNEY
On reflection, I have personally struggled with my mental health since I was a young teenager after being bullied by a best friend I had known since preschool age. I only developed an awareness of how troubled my mental health was in my early 30s after talking with a friend who shared their own experiences with their mental health.
Since my 20s, despite having a family that loves me and multiple handfuls of amazing friends, I had many moments where I wanted my life to end and I wished to not wake up the next day. My protective factors were the fear of pain (knowing that I squirm with paper cuts) and the fear of becoming permanently disabled as a result of not succeeding.
A partner gently supported me to acknowledge that these were not healthy protective factors. For the sake of my partner's wellbeing and that of our relationship, I decided to seek out a psychologist for mental health aid. I realised soon after that seeking support for the sake of another person does not reap the same rewards as seeking support for your own sake.
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 journaling to work through past traumas and to start healing my inner child. It’s been a 6 year journey so far and a very rewarding 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 and am actively living now.
My personal growth journey for the past 6 years has led me to where I am now, and for the first time in my life I WANT to live and I am determined to thrive. I have a zest for life that I've never had before. This Aries fire inside me burns strong.
I do still experience days of low-mood and helplessness. I am human. It's normal to ebb and flow with your energy. The difference is that I now have the awareness and mental resources to move through the sticky mud and not allow myself to get stuck.
We all have a decisions to make. What do you want? This is your driver to act!
Healing is a lifelong journey. We are ever changing, ever growing beings with boundless potential!
20 Hours of Silence for Youth Mental Health.
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 music. 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
willing to take in support of those who are living/experiencing this isolation.
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).
The 20 Hours for 20Talk Challenge is designed to help turn these statistics around.
Your contribution goes towards 20Talk’s relatable prevention campaigns. 20Talk is a mental health educational charity that makes education accessible, for young people by young people.
What your donations goes toward:
- $25/$50/$100 goes towards reaching 2000/4000/8000 people with an online awareness campaign
- $120 puts a young person through a one-day Mental Health Maintenance course
- $300 puts a young person through a two day Mental Health First Aid course
What is Mental Health Maintenance?
Mental Health Maintenance is an evidence-based interactive one-day workshop. The learning modules were crafted by a team of 12 mental wellbeing experts. They explore the 12 dimensions of wellbeing: self-control, exercise, breathing, sleep, nutrition, finance, relationships, occupation, environment, intellectual, emotional and spiritual.
Participants will learn how certain behaviours and habits impact on personal wellbeing, and they will also learn about tools that can be implemented to manage these habits.
This workshop is unique because it is about helping YOU before you enter crisis mode.
Thank you to my Sponsors
$322.50
Lian Lee
$315.30
Vanessa P
I love myself and I trust myself! I believe that my current life's purpose is to create a safe space for people to release, heal and thrive.
$315.30
Jacinta
$163.43
Alex C
Ness, you're making a positive difference to this world. I hope you continue to shine bright and be the guiding light that helps others in the dark. Good luck on the day.
$163.43
Tom And Sarah
Awesome work Van!! Xxx
$163.43
Alexandre Moreau
GL, no need to worry about snoring, I recon you can do it without sleep! Surely you've gone longer, just dance like it's a rave! Thanks for supporting not just the cause, but also me over the years!
$106.75
Marty
Go Ness!
$106.75
John Conaghan
Wonderful work Vanessa. With you all the way.
$106.75
Christopher Kershaw
Good luck!! Not that you’ll need it
$106.75
Jenny Poteris
My friend, I am so proud of you. Miss you, can't wait to hear all about the challenge! Love, Jenny X
$106.75
Ellie Cheong
Love this for you! All the best! I can't wait to hear about your experience. Ellie
$106.75
Zaneta Subrata
What you do matters so much, you are doing something bigger than yourself and I am cheering for you Xx
$100
Samuel Williams
$100
Deon Yip
$55.95
Jay & Ange
This is an awesome effort and a challenging endeavor! Btw Even if you’re sitting still remember to stay hydrated. You’ll do awesome
$55.95
Uncle Sam
Hope you achieve your goal and those suffering can overcome challenges ahead.
$55.95
Carly & Sara Xx
$55.95
Feli
Proud of you cuz! Making a positive impact beyond the workplace!
$55.95
Karen Farnsworth
$54.75
Liam Wolfe
I wish you all the strength and courage for this worthy cause Vanessa!
$54.75
Lulu Tjahjadi
Happy to support this meaningful cause. Keep up the amazing work Sa!!
$54.75
Aldo Subrata
Good Luck Vanessa! What a story, that takes a lot of courage and strength.
$28.81
Shane Parr-whalley
$28.81
Shaun Lee
$28.81
Anonymous
Keep doing good activities to improve your life Vanessa
$28.81
Paul Curtin
Best of luck Vanessa!
$28.81
Cyril Materu
I'm really proud of you for taking on this challenge. I want you to know that I fully support you. It's a good thing that you're still here, still fighting, and using your own experiences to help others. That takes a lot of courage and strength. I hope this challenge not only raises awareness for mental health but also reminds you how much of a positive impact you're making. Wishing you all the best on the day. You've got this, and I'll be cheering you on every step of the way.
$28.81
Cait Johnson
Wishing you all the best, Van.
$28.81
Marianne Moreau
Good luck Vanessa Good on you for supporting a big and little talked issue in our complicated world With love Marianne
$23.81
