With the fast-paced world we find ourselves in, it can be easy to neglect your mental health. Exams, work, school, friends, Netflix – it’s hard enough to keep up with the news these days, let alone practice self-care.

But more than ever, we need to talk about mental health in NZ. We have a health system at its max and downright shocking suicide stats. Know someone who’s been affected? Yup, thought so. We all have.

If you’re as passionate about this as I am, then here’s an easy way to do your bit: take part in the #LiveForTomorrow Photo Challenge – a 10 day social media challenge celebrating life in the lead up to World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept 10.

Because let’s be real: we all spend way more time on social media than we should. Recent studies estimate we spend about 9 hours a day on Facebook, Instagram and other online platforms! Instagram is usually a place where we heavily curate our photos to make our lives look ‘perfect.’ How many of us have taken 50+ selfies to get the perfect one? Or deleted a photo because it didn’t get enough likes?

But what if we spent some of our time online doing good? What if we were to reflect on the journey that took us to this moment? What if we were honest and real in a way that’s never been seen before? Would our vulnerability give others courage to share their own?

That’s what the Live For Tomorrow Photo Challenge is all about.

“The Photo Challenge has been going since 2014, so this will be our fourth year rolling it out,” says Christine, Live For Tomorrow‘s Digital Campaigner. “It’s a great opportunity to practice gratitude and being present in the moment. Each day’s challenge is based off one of the five ways to wellbeing – take notice, be active, give, connect, keep learning. It’s a great way to practice healthy wellbeing within a short window of time.”