I'm back for round three with a bigger target than last year, and I know that you can help me reach that goal easily. Every dollar counts, so click donate!
The Black Dog institute is a fabulous charity that is personally important to my family and me. They deal particularly with mood disorders, primarily depression and bipolar disorder.
After my own experiences with depression and anxiety as a teenager I know how isolating an experience it can be, and how important it is to have support.
You can read all about my full experience with mental illness here: http://nviset.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/mental-health-and-me.html
Zip it is a chance for me (probably one of the world's biggest talkers) to be silent for a day. All jokes aside about how much people will enjoy my silence and their eardrums will get a break from my voice for a day... raising the volume on mental health issues is the key objective here.
For anyone who knows me a little bit, you'll know that I'm always up for adventure and trying new and often crazy things, be it flying trapeze, cheer leading, acting, rock climbing, acrobatics and the list goes on, BUT I can honestly say that this is probably the toughest thing I've ever done - twice.
The experience of being silent for 24 hours, and not being able to speak despite having a voice and people being all around you talking is incredibly isolating. It really causes you to take stock of your own mental health, but also identify with those who have that internal struggle every day.
I'm running out of space to say everything I want to say, but if I can ask you to consider giving generously, or giving anything to this cause, you'll be helping more people than you know AND if you want to know more, call me, text me, email me, facebook me or come up and talk to me!
Thanks in advance! xox
Congratulations on your efforts for the black dog institute!