The Ice Bucket Challenge from 2014 returns after a decade to spread awareness. The Trend “USC Speak Your Mind Challenge” was created by Wade Jefferson, a junior at the University of South Carolina and founder of the school’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) Club.
Jefferson started the club after losing two friends due to suicide. The challenge aims to normalize conversations around mental health and make them more accessible.
Participants record pouring a bucket of ice water on themselves after being nominated by someone, then challenge two to five others within 24 hours. Videos use the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND and tag uscmind. A donation linked to the US’s Instagram page can be published with any amount of money you want.
Senior Kelsey Desilvey, nominated by her younger brother, participated to support mental health and honor the challenge’s ASL roots.
“I think mental health awareness is very important because this generation is at an age where social media has a negative impact on being bullied into high standards of being perfect,” Desilvey said.
The Ice Bucket Challenge began in 2014, founded by ALS patients Pat Quinn and Pete Frates to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a fatal neurodegenerative disease. It went viral globally, engaging everyone from celebrities to the public, mirroring the Speak Your Mind challenge’s reach.
Senior Aaron Miranda’s girlfriend nominated him to do the challenge. He is from Santa Teresa High School.
Miranda thinks mental health awareness is important for those who struggle. It makes it easier for them to get help and feel more accepted. Awareness, to him, encourages people to help people with mental health issues.
“ I feel that this is a good trend to come back as it is important to raise awareness for such an important topic, and because of this trend, thousands of people learn about mental health.”
Students nationwide, including those outside of Del Mar High School, have joined the movement, according to social media posts tagged #SpeakYourMIND.
Junior Angela Chavez from Milpitas High School, nominated by her boyfriend, joined to support mental health, but questioned if it overshadowed the ALS cause.
“I feel that mental health awareness isn’t as talked about as it should be, and this challenge was a good way to promote it,” Chavez said.
Mental health awareness saves lives. Resources and support are available—reach out, speak openly, and normalize seeking help.
