Yahya Dahir (11) pouring ice water on Naomie Delarosa’s (11) to support awareness about mental health.

The resurgence of the ice bucket challenge: A call for mental health awareness

In 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge became a viral sensation, with individuals worldwide pouring ice water over their heads to raise awareness and funds for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This act, often accompanied by a social media post and a donation, sparked a global movement that raised over $220 million for ALS research. Fast forward to 2025, and the challenge has been revived, not for ALS, but to address a pressing issue that affects millions: mental health.

The 2014 ice bucket challenge

The original Ice Bucket Challenge was initiated by three individuals living with ALS: Anthony Senerchia, Pete Frates, and Pat Quinn. Their personal battles with the disease inspired a campaign that combined awareness with action. Participants were challenged to either donate to the ALS Association or dump a bucket of ice water over their heads and then nominate others to do the same. The simplicity and visibility of the challenge made it an internet sensation, with celebrities, athletes, and everyday people participating and sharing their videos across social media platforms.

The campaign’s success was not just in the funds raised, but also in its ability to bring attention to a rare and often overlooked disease. It demonstrated the power of social media in mobilizing people for a cause, setting a precedent for future viral campaigns.

#SpeakYourMIND ice bucket challenge

In March 2025, students at the University of South Carolina’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club launched the #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge. Inspired by the original campaign’s success, they aimed to shift the focus to mental health awareness. The challenge follows a similar format: participants pour ice water over their heads, post the video on social media, and nominate others to do the same. Donations are directed to Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting youth mental health initiatives.

The campaign has garnered significant attention, with participation from various celebrities and influencers. As of April 2025, it has raised over $340,000, surpassing initial expectations. The funds are being used to support programs that educate and empower young people to address mental health issues and reduce stigma.

The motivation behind participation

The reasons individuals are participating in the #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge are multifaceted. For many, it’s an opportunity to contribute to a cause that resonates personally. Mental health issues affect a significant portion of the population, and the challenge provides a platform to raise awareness and show support.

For others, participation is a way to honor friends and loved ones who have struggled with mental health challenges. The act of pouring ice water over one’s head serves as a symbolic gesture of solidarity and empathy.

Moreover, the challenge taps into the power of social media to spread messages quickly and widely. By using platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and X (formerly Twitter), participants can reach a broad audience, encouraging others to join the movement and contribute to the cause.

The role of the MIND club and Wade Jefferson

The MIND club at the University of South Carolina, led by founder Wade Jefferson, has been instrumental in organizing and promoting the #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge. Jefferson, a junior at USC, founded the club after losing friends to suicide. His personal experiences have driven his commitment to raising awareness about mental health issues and advocating for change.

Under Jefferson’s leadership, the MIND club has collaborated with Active Minds to create a campaign that not only raises funds but also educates and engages the community. The challenge has become a platform for open discussions about mental health, encouraging individuals to share their stories and support one another.

The impact and ongoing conversation

The resurgence of the Ice Bucket Challenge has sparked important conversations about mental health, particularly among young people. By using the viral nature of social media, the #SpeakYourMIND campaign has brought attention to an issue that is often stigmatized and overlooked.

However, the campaign has not been without its critics. Some members of the ALS community have expressed concern that the revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge for mental health awareness could overshadow the original cause. They argue that while mental health is a critical issue, it should not come at the expense of continued support and funding for ALS research.

Despite these concerns, the #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge has succeeded in its primary goal: to initiate a conversation about mental health. It has provided a platform for individuals to share their experiences, support one another, and advocate for change.

Close to home 

Over the past few weeks, the ice bucket challenge has made its way to OHS. Students are supporting each other and embracing the icy fun by nominating friends and family to participate. The videos are being posted on the popular social media platform, Instagram. What began as a popular social media challenge has had a great impact on the student population due to how many students who participated. 

This challenge went viral at OHS, with hundreds of students who were nominated. Junior Aliyanna Delarosa said, “I participated in the ice bucket challenge to spread awareness for mental health and show more advocacy towards it.” Her point of view was not only shown through her video, but many others who also participated. 

Senior Charlie Dulas also said, “I hope it is bringing more life to the problem because mental health is a big issue… If you don’t have a good system, more struggles can come along the way.” He hopes that this popular trend can give those who are struggling the relief that others are bringing light to the problems of mental health. Most likely, there were a lot of people participating who were secretly dealing with some sort of mental health issues. 

Sophomore Audrey Dowling said, “You can’t really tell when people struggle with mental health if they are hiding it. It is hard to see that through some of the videos.” That is one of the challenges with mental health, it is not visible. 

On the other hand, some people believe that this challenge went viral just for the thrill of it. Senior Liban Abdullahi said, “It was just another trend. Dumping water on yourself does not mean you are supporting mental health. They are just following a trend to go viral and get views.” Unfortunately he may be right, however it does not take away from the fact people did the trend to bring more awareness and support. 

He was not the only one with this belief. Dowling also said, “I think a lot of people did it for the trend… but I think a lot of people definitely care, just some to a higher extent than others.” There is definitely a battle to know what a person’s true intentions are with this challenge. There is no way to know for sure whether a majority of students are participating for the views or to support the mental health aspect of it. 

The Importance

The revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2025, with a focus on mental health awareness, highlights the evolving nature of social movements and the power of social media in driving change. In recent years, mental health has become more of a talked-about topic. Even so, some people tend to forget how severe the effects can be on students. Initiatives like the #SpeakYourMIND campaign demonstrate that viral trends can be harnessed for positive impact, raising awareness and funds for causes that matter.

As the conversation about mental health continues, it’s essential to recognize the importance of supporting all causes that aim to improve lives, whether it’s through research, education, or advocacy. The #SpeakYourMIND Ice Bucket Challenge serves as a reminder that collective action, even in the form of a viral trend, can lead to meaningful change.

Conclusion

The USC ice bucket challenge has proven to be much more than just a trend. The worldwide popularity it gained so fast, including Owatonna, shows the positive impact it has had on schools. Allowing people to get out of their comfort zone and be vulnerable online is what turned this challenge into a meaningful movement. Students from all over the world showed their support and strength by pouring a bucket of ice water over their heads and letting others watch it. As the movement continues to gain momentum, let’s not forget the purpose behind this challenge and remember that we can make a difference in mental health together.