Running 3,000 KM to Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention – Seeking Your Thoughts

[Guest_27400630]

Hi everyone,

I wanted to share an idea I’ve been working on to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention.

Each year, approximately 3,000 people die by suicide in Australia; a heart-breaking statistic. To honour those lives and bring attention to the importance of mental health, I’m thinking of running 3,000 km over the span of a year - 1km for each life lost. 

I am eager to take on this physical and mental challenge to serve as a platform to talk about the struggles many of us face and break the stigma around mental health.

Here’s the general idea:

1. The Challenge: Run 3,000 km in one year.
2. Purpose:
   • Raise awareness about suicide prevention and mental health resources.
   • Fundraise for mental health organisations.
3. Community Involvement: I’d love to involve others by:
   • Inviting people to join me virtually or in person for parts of the runs.
   • Sharing mental health tips, resources, and personal stories along the way.
   • Encouraging people to donate or sponsor specific distances.

I believe this extreme challenge can serve as a powerful reminder that no one should struggle alone and that there’s strength in reaching out and supporting one another.

Do you think this is a good way to raise awareness? Any other ideas to make this campaign more impactful?

Mental health is such an important issue, and I want this challenge to make a real difference.

Thank you for taking the time to read this! I’d appreciate any feedback, ideas or encouragement you can offer.

Regards, 

Oscar

[indigo22]

Hi Oscar,

Welcome and thank you for sharing your idea with us.

I think it is a great idea, with a couple of caveats. What is your plan for where you would run?

To raise awareness, it would need to be covered by non-biased media (which is hard to come by in itself these days). My feeling is it would need to be in the more populated areas of Australia rather than remote ones. If you are able to find the right people to follow and report your progress, I think it has the potential to have an impact, but that is just my personal opinion. Others may have different input.

Another thought is that there are a lot of people doing life hard, homeless, unsupported, feeling like life has nothing left to give them a reason to keep going. That is the sad reality of the world we are living in because there is a lack of compassion, understanding and support from the general population. If you can reach those who have no idea how bad things are, and inspire them to step up, then I say go for it.

Please make sure you take all the necessary steps to take care of yourself in the process.

It will be interesting to see what input the community has for you.

My best wishes,

indigo