Started a fundraising campaign for a charity to eliminate suicidal thoughts. The campaign isn't going well and I lost my confidence.

[ypla]

Hi to the wholesome users of Beyond Blue,

I've been having suicidal thoughts (and I'm not using this term loosely) for a while now due to loneliness. Then I watched some videos on youtube about how to deal with it. One of the ideas was that I could start a fundraising campaign and feel a sense of accomplishment when different individual have contributed to my cause.
It sounded great. Since I've been growing out my hair for a year now due to COVID, I thought I'd start a campaign with a leukemia organisation. Unfortunately, my campaign hasn't gained any momentum in the first four days as I don't have a great social bubble, which is obvious from being lonely.
 

[Sophie_M]

Hey Ypla,

Thanks for participating today on the Beyond Blue forums, it's great to see you return. We're so sorry to hear your fundraiser for the Leukaemia Foundation isn't going as well as you hoped. We can imagine this would feel quite disheartening. We're also sorry to hear that you've been feeling lonely and are having thoughts of suicide, this must be so difficult. We hope our community here is able to offer their advice on how you might go about promoting your fundraiser and managing feelings of loneliness. Please know that we are all here to support you.

We'd encourage you to contact the Beyond Blue Support Service anytime on 1300 22 4636 or get in touch with us on Webchat 3pm-12am AEST here: www.beyondblue.org.au/getsupport. One of the friendly counsellors can offer you some support but also provide you with advice and referrals for seeing a counsellor in a more ongoing way if this is something you feel would be beneficial.

We also hope you know that there is always help available to you, whether it's from our professional mental health counsellors Beyond Blue (available 24/7/365 on 1300 22 4636) or our friends at Lifeline (13 11 14) or the Suicide Call Back Service (1300 659 467).

Please check in and let us know how you are whenever you feel up to it.
 

[ypla]

Thank you for your comforting reply. I made sure I've noted those contact details down just in case. I'm looking forward to advices about my campaign if anyone is experienced with fundraising.

[quirkywords]

ypla welcome and congraulations for starting a fundraiser.

I am not and expert but I know with go fund me, I noticed that friends tell people on facebook etc that they are raising money for ex and why. Sometimes people will say the child is going on a bike ride or they are doing a long walk and the money goes to charity. Sometimes on the fundraiser site itself there are ideas that help ypu promote your fundraiser. It is a great idea and sometimes it takes a while for people to hear about it/

Also writing a small personal story as to why you are raising money helps as I like that personal connection.

Let us know how you go.

[Matchy69]

Hi ypla you should be proud of yourself for trying to raise money for a worth while charity. Their is a lot of charties out there and it is matter of preference for some people and money is pretty tight for a lot of people.At least you are trying to make a difference.All the best with it.
Take care,
Mark.

[ypla]

My main goal isn't raising money as my goal is already a small amount compared to some other campaigns. I just wanted to achieve a sense of accomplishment and belonging by serving to a great campaign. I guess it's not the end of the world but next time it will take a great consideration before I launch another fundraiser. I knew this was going to happen but I couldn't help myself when someone suggested I raise money for leukemia as I have long hair.

[Ggrand]

Dear ypla...

That’s awesome you started a fundraising campaign...that must have taken a lot of courage..Well done..

Loneliness is a horrible feeling...I live alone in a tiny village in the central west..where most people that lives here grew up here and have their circle of friends..outsiders not welcome....it’s been 6 years I’ve been here and have made 1 friend and a neighbour who blows hot n cold...hard to know where I stand with her most times...

On the suggestion of my Dr..I applied an have been working one day a week in a volunteer role in a well known charity shop...There are 3 others plus me that work on my day..and it does help with the overwhelming feelings of loneliness for at least that day...sometimes it helps the day after as well......maybe volunteering a day or two a week might help with the loneliness your feeling....

Please don’t give up on your fundraising campaign..it’s early days yet...maybe chatting to someone in the leukaemia fundraising....for some different ideas.

My kindest and most caring thoughts dear ypla...

Grandy..

[Matchy69]

Hi ypla I think you have accomplished something by starting a fund raiser.It is a learning experience for you.I am sorry you are dissapointed but you did try.
Take care,
Mark

[quirkywords]

ypla you deserve congratulations for helping others while you were struggling .That is a huge achievement . It is a lovely thought to think of others before yourself.

Take care