The Ice Bucket Challenge Returns
The Ice Bucket Challenge, originally a viral sensation in 2014, was first created to raise awareness for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. People everywhere, filmed themselves dumping a bucket of freezing water over their heads, donating, and tagging friends to do the same.
The movement raised over $115 million for ALS research and showed how a simple, fun idea could create real change. However, as the years passed, the ice bucket challenge began to fade from public view- until now.
This year, the challenge resurfaced with a new mission: mental health awareness. The #SpeakYourMIND campaign encourages people to pour ice water over their heads, share their mental health stories, and donate to Active Minds, a non profit organization that advocates for mental health awareness among youth. The goal is to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues and start conversations that can help break down barriers for those who are struggling.
“What motivated me is the appreciation for mental health awareness through a trend that would include many different people,” said freshman Michael Caceres. “This trend made me more aware of how I can participate in things with good causes without having to use too a lot of expenses or having to travel far distances.”
The movement has grown fast, partly because it’s so easy to join. Students just need a container, ice water, a phone, and the willingness to spread a good message. The challenge proves you do not have to donate tons of money or plan huge events to make a difference- even a small action can create ripple effects that reach a lot of people.
“Well, since I got nominated like eight times for it, I was kinda forced to do it, but at the same time, it was like something that I could do to support people that go through mental health like me,” said Gabriel Hidalgo, a freshman. “It was really fun to do, and I hope more fundraisers or challenges like this for other awarenesses can do the same, as it gives a chance for people to do fun while being supportive.”
People say the best part isn’t just the videos or the laughs- it’s the real conversations happening because of it. For many it’s an opening to talk about feelings they might not have shared otherwise. It’s a reminder that mental health struggles are real, and they don’t just go away overnight.
“I just hope people understand that mental health isn’t like a cold or like the flu. Sometimes it lingers, and it can hit hard when it lingers. So people need to take more awareness on it,” said Gabriel Hidalgo, a freshman.
The reactions from students being nominated have added another layer of fun to the campaign. Some were shocked, some laughed, and others wanted revenge by challenging their friends right back. These moments of lightness show that raising awareness doesn’t have to be sad or scary, it can actually be uplifting and bring people closer together.
“Every time when I talk to someone about the challenge, we go on to talking about how we are doing and checking up on each other, and I have started to check up on some of my friends too,” said Gabriel.
Across social media, the new ice bucket challenge has gotten attention from big names like MrBeast, Blake Shelton, and Jimmy Fallon, helping boost its popularity and spread its message. Their involvement reminds students that mental health conversations are important no matter who you are- and the more we talk, the more we heal.
As the trend keeps growing, it’s clear that it’s doing more than just drenching people in freezing water. It’s making a real impact by encouraging kindness, empathy, and openness- one post at a time.
