Millions of people across social media are participating in the #USCspeakyourmindchallenge. graphic by River Allsen
The Ice Bucket Challenge has been reimagined to bring light to mental health awareness.
In the last month all across social media there have been a multitude of videos of people dumping a bucket of water on their head nominating friends, family, and even well known celebrities for the University of South Carolina speak your mind challenge. This challenge might seem familiar to some, as it is the same concept as the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge that was to fundraise and bring awareness to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS). The 2014 movement was all over the internet and even had well known names from Oprah Winfery to Bill Clinton participating in the challenge. But like all trends come and go, it seemed as though the Ice Bucket Challenge left as quickly as it came. But now almost a decade later, the challenge is back and revamped with a new focus on mental health awareness.
In March of 2025, The University of South Carolina’s Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club took to Instagram to post a video launching the “#speakyourMIND” challenge. In the caption they explained that people should nominate others that they felt could “speak their mind.” The caption also stated that all donations would go to Active Minds, a non-profit organization that works to improve the mental health outcomes for young people. The MIND club at USC was founded by junior Wade Jefferson, who started the club after two of his friends died by suicide. The group states that they have three main goals: breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, advocating for suicide provention, and practicing daily mindfulness. The original fundraising goal was only $500 as Jefferson believed the challenge would only spread through the USC campus but as the campaign grew they decided to bump their target goal up to $250,000. As of now the campaign has raised over $400,000 for the non-profit and is continuing to grow each day.
As mental health concerns among teens and young people continue to rise, the need for mental health awareness is greater than ever. Organizations like Active Minds are working to transform mental health norms across society and supporting these organizations is extremely valuable. But how many people realize what this challenge is? Are social media challenges the best way to raise awareness? While dumping a bucket of water on one’s head may not seem like a direct line to mental health advocacy, the viral challenge has helped open the door to deeper conversations. For those who are aware of the purpose of the challenge, it has become a powerful tool for those who want to share their mental health journey and create a space on the internet to let people know they are not alone in their struggles.
When asked about being nominated for the challenge, Senior Nes Masa expressed that they were aware of what the challenge was promoting mental health, as many are not fully aware what the challenge was for. Masa did express mixed feelings about whether or not the challenge was effectively bringing awareness to mental health statating, “I do believe that this is raising money and supporting mental health efforts, and at the same time I recognize the fact that it has become more of a trend to do rather than destigmatizing mental health. Most people don’t even realize that the challenge is not only the cold water, but also donating to the cause.” Their decision to participate was deeply personal as Masa is someone who struggles from mental health issues and is a large advocate for mental health awareness. Looking ahead, they hope to see the challenge make a lasting impact, “I hope to see more people normalizing the discussion around mental health and also funding efforts to keep the discussions going along with providing resources that can help those struggling with mental health.”
The speak your mind challenge is so much more than just another social media challenge. It is bringing light to the issues that affect our society today. Whether or not it becomes another trend that comes and goes, the challenge has raised money and awareness for the better. If you are interested in donating please go to https://support.activeminds.org/fundraiser/6221101
