“The Push-Up Challenge’s message of mental health awareness really spoke out to me,” she explained. “I wanted to be a part of the mission. My friend group was invested in the Challenge, and we encouraged each other right through to the end. The sense of achievement was unbeatable, it definitely outweighed the exhaustion!”
For Amira, participating in the challenge was more than just a physical feat. She highlighted the urgent need for mental health advocacy, noting, “42.9% of Australians aged 16-85 have experienced a mental disorder at some time in their life¹. Mental disorders are more common now than ever, we are experiencing an epidemic that needs to be addressed. Those who are experiencing mental illness need to know they are not alone and that it’s okay to get help.”
Amira's passion for mental health awareness is deeply personal. Amira opens up about her own experience and struggles with depression, including moments of fear, isolation, and self-harm. Reflecting on those times, she says, “One incident included the ambulance being called and a hospital visit. I was scared and I felt alone. Every time I self-harmed I felt confused, ashamed and disgusted with myself.” These challenges impacted every aspect of Amira’s life, leaving her disengaged and distanced from everyone around her. “I had always loved school and was a high achiever, but when I was depressed, my grades were of no consequence to me, and getting out of bed for school seemed pointless.”
“Mental illness makes relationships difficult, as it’s so hard to understand from an outside perspective.”
Today, Amira is pursuing a passion for health and well-being by studying Health Sciences at Curtin University. She believes that fundraising for mental health initiatives is vital. “It is crucial that those who are mentally suffering know there is a way out and that they are fully capable of healing and growth,” she stressed. Charities, she says, are indispensable in providing help and empowering individuals.
Looking ahead to The Push-Up Challenge 2025, Amira has a clear message for those considering participating: “You will not regret it. Through the Challenge, you’ll unlock both a physical and mental strength you didn’t know you possessed. Tell your friends and family too, it’s a group initiative. You never know who around you is struggling, and it’s never too much trouble to check in on them.”
In the upcoming Challenge, Amira will be raising funds for headspace as a way of thanking them. She hopes this will allow others to get the same support that she did, as she has used headspace in her darkest moments and still does to this day.
Amira shares her advice for those navigating their own mental health journeys, “Mental fitness is essential in allowing a person to flourish physically, socially, and professionally. Never be scared or embarrassed to ask for help, it’s the first step to moving forward. Your past encounters with mental illness are not a reminder of your weakness, rather, they are a reminder of your strength, your resilience, and your growth into the person you are now.”
