The ice bucket challenge is back. More than ten years later, the challenge has made a revival in an effort to spread mental health awareness, reaching across the United States and even progressing into other countries. The challenge is to pour a bucket of ice water over your own head and nominate others to do the same. Although some argue the lack of correlation between pouring water and mental health, it has proven to be successful. Through social media, hashtags, fundraisers, and the human need for belonging, awareness and contributions towards helping those with mental health issues has grown.
Originating in 2014, the first wave of the ice bucket challenge was to spread awareness and raise money in support of ALS. ALS is a terminal illness that deteriorates the body’s muscles as they lose connection to the brain. It leaves the patient paralyzed and only worsens over time. The challenge quickly became viral, as celebrities and friends alike participated. Ultimately, it was a success, generating about $115 million dollars.
This resurgence finds its origin at the University of South Carolina, where a student-led organization founded the challenge. Founder Wade Jefferson told the Daily Gamecock, “Our original goal was $500 to raise for the Active Minds organization, and … we were super happy when we hit that.” Active Minds is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to providing resources and changing the norm about mental health. While some disability advocates think that this new challenge has taken away from its origin as an awareness campaign for ALS, most people encourage involvement in both causes.
A booming success, the trend has spread across the country, being the only trend on social media for days. Mental health issues have reportedly grown a significant amount in the past few years, but so has awareness and a stigma to change. It’s okay to not be okay, but it’s never okay to suffer in silence.
Ultimately the second wave of the ice bucket challenge has raised awareness and a significant amount of money for Active Minds. More than $400,00 has been raised and continues to grow. To support these causes, visit https://support.activeminds.org/fundraiser/6221101 and https://www.als.org/get-involved/ways-give
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