Frustrated
Hey,
I tried to start a support group at my university. I am actually on a wellness committee, which tbh doesn't do much. Today was our first zoom meeting and nobody came, not even the other person on the committee I had talked to about this. I had depended on one of the committee leaders to send out an email to students, but she didn't send a reminder or anything. I was anxious about associating my name with it, but I think I will send a reminder email next week.
I just felt really lonely that no one came to the meeting. I offered to facilitate but also really needed the support myself.
Day
@Daydreamer47
Hello!
I think starting a support group is a wonderful idea. Considering that many college students could use some mental health support. I'm sorry that no one came to the first meeting. That must have been really discouraging. Maybe more word of it needs to be spread. I think sending a reminder email is a good idea! Hopefully it turns out better next week<3 💜
Support group at University is a great idea. If I only had one back in the day, I might not have dropped out altogether. I know you might've felt discouraged with no one showing up for the meeting, and disappointed in how the other committee member didn't keep their word about sending out the email. It sounds like you want to make this happen more than the other person. So, maybe other than sending out an email, you could make up some posters to post around the University (in areas with the most student traffic). Good luck in your upcoming sessions! Give it some time for students to step up too, not everyone is comfortable from the get-go in joining a support group~
@Daydreamer47
people often overlook their mental health as it's not very physical. i honestly would love such a group at mine. i think you are a good person trying to do good deeds. i hope people do not need to search for such groups but it's good that there is one if someone needs it. i think you should be proud of yourself for doing what youve done.
Thanks for the support everyone. It's now been two meetings that no one has come on the zoom. I feel pretty down. Tbh I wanted to create a group to receive support for myself because I have a very toxic family and thought a support group would be a place to open up a little and feel supported consistently and now I feel more depressed. There is a student affairs person I emailed about who said the school counselors may be willing to take it over if I am still having a hard time. So maybe I will try until Thanksgiving and then ask them to take it over.
Maybe you can work with one of the counsellors (or all of them)? Allow them to introduce your support group to students that see her/him. I really hope it works out for you~
@Daydreamer47
@Daydreamer47
hey, how are you now? sorry it's been a few months. wanna talk?
@footballorbmo While I appreciate people saying it's such a good idea, it really just didn't happen and I think I need to accept that for now and try something else instead of continuing to repeat something that didn't work.
@Daydreamer47
I'm sorry to hear that your first support group meeting didn't go as planned, and you're feeling lonely about it. It sounds like you put a lot of effort into starting the group and were hoping for a more supportive turnout. That can be really disappointing.
It must have been challenging to take the initiative and put yourself out there by trying to start this group, especially if you were feeling anxious about associating your name with it. It's understandable that you were looking forward to the support from the group as well.
It's disappointing that the other person on the committee didn't show up, and the committee leader didn't send out the reminder email as expected. That must have added to your feelings of frustration and loneliness.
It's a positive step that you're considering sending a reminder email next week. Maybe that will help increase attendance and support for your group. Is there anything specific you'd like to talk about or any thoughts or feelings you'd like to share about this situation?
@CompassionateSoul108 It was more than the first meeting. I had several meetings and no one came again. I also talked with the student dean who advertised a Womens' group, but no one had interest other than me. At this point, it really has not worked, and I think I need to just turn elsewhere, like continuing to go a different zoom group outside of my school.
😓@Daydreamer47
I'm sorry to hear that your support group meeting didn't go as planned and that you felt lonely as a result. It can be disappointing when people don't show up to something you've put effort into organizing especially when you were hoping for their support. However it's important to remember that sometimes scheduling conflicts or other unforeseen circumstances can prevent people from attending.
Don't be too hard on yourself for not getting the turnout you expected. Starting a support group can be challenging particularly if you're trying to reach out to a specific audience or deal with sensitive topics. It's common for group initiatives to face hurdles along the way and it takes time to build awareness and trust within a community.
Sending a reminder email for the next meeting is a good idea. People might have forgotten or not prioritized it this time but a gentle nudge might encourage a few participants to attend in the future. Additionally consider exploring other avenues to promote your support group such as utilizing social media or collaborating with student organizations.
Remember starting something new can be intimidating but don't let this setback discourage you. Keep putting in the effort and over time you may start to see more interest and involvement in the support group. If you feel comfortable you can also reach out to individual students who might benefit from the group and personally invite them.
In the meantime it's important to find support for yourself as well. Reach out to friends family or other support networks to discuss your feelings and seek guidance. Taking care of your own well-being is essential especially as you continue to navigate your role on the wellness committee.
Keep in mind that building a support group isn't an overnight process and setbacks are a natural part of the journey. Your commitment and efforts are commendable and with time and perseverance you may find that your support group grows and becomes a valuable resource for those who need it.
@friendlyBraveheart388 Thanks for your comment. As mentioned above, I have tried multiple times and the group is a dud, so it's something I'm not really actively pursuing anymore, so I am feeling annoyed at the suggestion to keep trying, when I have decided it is not working and not worth my energy to keep pushing right now.
I intended on starting the group to get support for myself, not necessarily to support other people tbh. I would have of course supported others in return, but yeah it was an attempt to get support for myself. I have gone to an online support group over zoom though. My family is very dysfunctional and abusive so I don't have that.
@Daydreamer47
im sorry how it turned out in the first meeting...
i think it might be bcs its new...im sure more ppl will hear about the community and join.
dw
@annadaisy50749 thanks. but no it didn't work out and I am not interesting in putting a ton of more energy toward it, but thanks.
Hey, I think that starting a support group is really great! You should definitely try again, I’m sure that some students would love to come! Hope that everything goes as planned and that you have a successful meeting!
@Katsuddon No, I don't want to try again.
@Daydreamer47
Hey I can totally understand the feeling. It doesn't feel good when no one shows up but you know what this is life! Always remember" you're stronger than what you think you are". You're working for a noble cause so succes would definitely come, just keep on grinding, promote it more and keep on Sharing even on social media platforms. I hope it turns out to be a great success for you! May God bless you 😇😊
@playfulSun Thank you for your support. I did not feel "continuing grinding" to be worth my time. I think it's better to recognize when something is not working. I did see an email about a new group (not mine) that is going to be 5 weeks of people getting to know each other, so I signed up for that. I hope it comes together.
I hope that group is similar to what you wanted to form earlier and get the same support.
@Daydreamer47 I totally understand that! Hope this one works out well for you! Good luck 😇
