NEW YORK (PIX11) — Break out the buckets and the ice water. A group is reviving the challenge to raise awareness about mental health.
A group of students at the University of South Carolina has created the “Speak Your Mind Ice Bucket Challenge,” and videos are appearing on social media platforms.
The students are part of an organization called MIND (Mental Illness Needs Discussion).
The new campaign started at the end of March and is spreading using the hashtag “#speakyourmind” on Instagram and TikTok.
“Together, we can equip youth and young adults with the resources, training, and skills they need to advocate for lasting mental health change. By fundraising for Active Minds, we are showing the people in our life that their mental health matters, that we should be open about our mental health, and they should be able to seek the care they need,” say the organizers.
The students have partnered with Active Minds, which is a nonprofit working with youth and young adults to address mental health issues, treatment, and mindset for the past 20 years. They work in schools, on college campuses, and with civic organizations.
Dr. Jeffrey Gardere is a board-certified clinical psychologist and says the activity helps spark a conversation and get people out of their comfort zone.
“Spurring people into action. It says we are doing something silly with water and ice. But we are vulnerable and we can talk about something that might be difficult,” he said.
The goal is to encourage people to reach out if they’re concerned about a friend or if they need someone to talk to. Many states have resources and hotlines also available. In the New York area, people can call 988.
The challenge has raised nearly $50,000 and earned thousands of views.
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