The Viral 'Ice Bucket Challenge' Returns for Mental Health Awareness

Overview

• The Ice Bucket Challenge, initially popular in 2014 for raising awareness about ALS, is making a comeback.
• The new cause: mental illness awareness, specifically under the initiative #SpeakYourMIND.

Background

• Original Ice Bucket Challenge (2014):
  • Aim: Raise awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis or Lou Gehrig's disease).
  • Impact: Raised $185 million in the US and $35 million worldwide.
  • Outcome: Funded ALS research, leading to a promising treatment (sodium phenylbutyratetaurursodiol).

The New Cause

• University of South Carolina Initiative:
  • Led by the MIND club (Mental Illness Needs Discussion).
  • Commemorates a student who died by suicide.
  • Supports Active Minds, a national youth mental health nonprofit.

How the Challenge Works

• Steps to Participate:
  • Fill a bucket with ice and water.
  • Have a friend pour it over you.
  • Record and post the video on social media.
  • Include a donation link for Active Minds.
  • Tag three others to continue the challenge.

Reception and Impact

• Positive Response:

  • Gained traction with participation from public figures (e.g., Peyton Manning).
  • Raised nearly $300,000 for mental health.
  • Seen as a powerful youth-driven movement by Active Minds.

• Criticism:

  • Concerns about overshadowing the original ALS mission.
  • Questions about the relevance to mental health, as the ice symbolizes the physical pain of ALS.

Quotes

• Wade Jefferson (USC, MIND Club Founder):

  • Inspired by the ALS challenge to bring energy to mental health advocacy.

• Alison Malmon (Active Minds, Founder & Executive Director):

  • Emphasizes the power of youth advocacy in creating a new era of mental health awareness.

Conclusion

• The revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health is making significant strides in raising awareness and funds, showing the potential of viral movements to address important social issues.