Howdy, I'm Stef! On World Mental Health Day 2017, Tuesday 10 October, I'm going to be physically silent for 24 hours. Why you ask? To raise the volume on mental health! I’ve been completing this self-imposed challenge for the last 6 years. Imagine how many children have been born since I started this! Speaking of children, the money I raise will be going to headspace. Headspace provides an irreplaceable service to young adults in need. Suicide, anxiety, depression – the rates of all mental health issues that affect our population can be reduced if we intervene early and provide the right tools for resilience to our young adults. As a young teenager, I suffered tremendously after my father suicided. “Emo” became normal for me. My depression was commonly referred to as attention-seeking behaviour, and I lost a good number of friends due to my inability to “just cheer up”. My younger sister was obviously enormously affected by this too, however she didn’t share with us. We lost her to suicide almost 5 years ago. My family has been torn apart, and every day we miss her. Time may heal the scab – but it doesn’t heal the hole in your heart. Whew, that got heavy. Anyway, what I was trying to impress on you is that headspace is an organisation that I feel so strongly for. Over the last 5 years I’ve raised $13,899 for them, and I know with your help I can do better! So pull out your credit cards, or come and see me to drop off cash!! I’d love to crack $2,600 this year, but truly, it’s just a number. Anything and everything you donate will be absolutely appreciated. Unfortunately I will not be promising any interpretive dance this year – I didn’t even keep my promise last year! Was far too nervous. But you will be able to come past my desk and check out my meerkat impersonation when the phone rings, or see how fast I can scribble to keep up with a conversation. You could also request a picture conversation – which is how my mother and I like to communicate on the day! Thanks so much to you all for your continued support. It means the world. Stef If you want to read any more about my “story” - here's one I wrote for beyondblue. It's quite outdated now, but it definitely conveys my heart and soul as at May 2013. http://www.beyondblue.org.au/connect-with-others/personal-stories/story/stefanie