A recent revival of the 2014 ice bucket challenge has flown across the United States. The reimagined, viral challenge began at the University of South Carolina through students in the Mental Health Needs Discussion (MIND) club. These students are looking to raise awareness and smash stereotypes surrounding mental health, the functioning of the challenge spread their message to a large audience. The challenge is passed through participants by a system of nomination, it involves filming ice water getting poured on the participant’s head, posting the video, nominating other people, and tagging #SpeakYourMind and #uscmind.
This challenge has spread through Wyoming thoroughly, with hundreds of Casper locals and Kelly Walsh students participating.
Senior, Ryan Deveraux said, “I liked #SpeakYourMindChallenge because I think it is spreading great awareness about mental health. It was also super cool to see how the community came together to show support,”.
Both the original challenge and revival focus on difficult, life changing topics, seeking support and awareness. North Jersey news services discuss the small spark that commenced both challenges, and their evolution into nationwide sensations.
This challenge was built to break down the barriers surrounding mental health issues, normalizing reaching out for help and talking about issues.
“The water bucket challenge allows for a heavy topic to become more flexible to talk about, mental health is always important but it’s not always talked about. With this challenge it allows for the difficult conversation to become an easier one,” said senior Layna Eskew.
The MIND club strives to help those struggling with mental health issues, and overcoming stigmas set by society over topics of mental issues. Active Minds is ecstatic about their recent boom of their mission statement, with over $340,000 raised for their nonprofit organization due to the #SpeakYourMind challenge.
The challenge has brought immense public awareness towards mental health issues,
“This challenge is such a great way to draw attention to mental health awareness, also reducing the misinformation surrounding it. It gives people the chance to connect with each other, due to the nomination process, allowing a large group of people to join in on an experience that ultimately benefits everyone,” said junior Elliot Torres.
The #SpeakYourMind challenge has done more than just bring a new social media trend in which it is fun to participate . It has brought social awareness to mental health issues and unified participants, while all in support of a beneficial, nonprofit organization.
