Scrolling through Instagram recently looks a lot like it did in 2014: teenagers pouring water buckets over their heads and nominating friends to do the same. This time, instead of spreading awareness about ALS, the challenge is to support mental health awareness.
The University of South Carolina’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion Club, referred to as MIND Club, started this new ice bucket challenge to break the stigma around mental health. To contribute, participants record themselves doing the ice bucket challenge within 24 hours of nomination, and keep the movement going by tagging a few friends to do the challenge next.
#SpeakYourMIND aims to support suicide prevention efforts, promote daily mindfulness, and open conversations about mental health. People can also contribute to the cause by donating to USC’s fundraising page, which supports Active Minds, a nonprofit that mobilizes young adults to transform mental health norms.
As the challenge has worked its way from South Carolina to M-A, many students have used the trend to start conversations about mental health. “Being vulnerable allows for connection, like seen in the ice bucket challenge,” junior Evie Filipek said. “People may feel embarrassed to have ice water dumped on their head, but if everyone is doing it and laughing together, it builds a strong community and shows everyone that you’re not alone.”
“To me, ‘Speak Your Mind’ means being open and honest about your feelings, and opening the doors to new conversations,” junior Auden Jones said. “The more knowledgeable people are, the more equipped they are to handle their own mental health as well as assist others.”
While the challenge is aimed to spread awareness about mental health, it’s also a fun activity and social media trend that could be separated from its original intent.
On the other hand, some students find the challenge unproductive. “If a challenge were to be for mental health, it wouldn’t just be pouring an ice bucket on your head and nominating the next person. I don’t know how many donations or whatever are made, if there are, but all I know is that those participating aren’t doing it to contribute to those donations,” junior Devin Durson said.
At M-A, students make efforts to utilize mental health resources on campus, like PAWS, or finding time to do what they love. Filipek takes care of herself by “talking to friends or dancing and listening to music.”
“Make sure to enter all conversations without judgement. When you go into things ready to listen to others, you are more likely to grow,” Jones said.
