More than a decade after the Ice Bucket Challenge became a viral sensation for ALS awareness, a new campaign focusing on mental health has emerged, revitalizing the original format with a fresh message. Students at the University of South Carolina (USC) have launched the #SpeakYourMIND campaign through their Mental Illness Needs Discussion (MIND) club, aiming to promote mental wellness and encourage open dialogue about mental health struggles.
The #SpeakYourMIND campaign follows the original Ice Bucket Challenge format: participants pour a bucket of ice water over themselves, post a video online, and nominate others to join in. However, this time, the focus is on reducing stigma surrounding mental health issues. The campaign supports Active Minds, a nonprofit organization dedicated to youth mental health advocacy, and has already raised over $100,000 since its debut on Instagram in March 2025.
Wade Jefferson, a USC junior and founder of the MIND club, started the initiative after losing two close friends to suicide. Initially, Jefferson and his team set a modest fundraising goal of $500, hoping to raise awareness within their campus community. The overwhelming support they have received has surpassed their expectations, drawing attention from across the country and even from celebrities like former NFL stars Peyton Manning and Emmanuel Sanders.
Brett Curtis, director of community fundraising and events at Active Minds, praised the revival of the iconic challenge format. “Fundraisers have spent years trying to recreate the success of the Ice Bucket Challenge,” he said. “There’s a bit of irony that what’s working is actually just the Ice Bucket Challenge again—but this time, to talk about mental health.” The ALS Association, which was the original beneficiary of the 2014 campaign, has also backed the new cause. In a statement, the organization expressed excitement about the spirit of the original challenge living on in ways that are socially impactful.
Despite some critics questioning whether the original campaign's viral fame would lead to lasting change, Curtis emphasized that the current effort is not solely about donations. “Our priority has always been to empower students and amplify mental health conversations,” he stated. “The money is great, but the message is what matters most.” With mental health challenges affecting millions of young people across North America, the #SpeakYourMIND campaign is striking a timely and deeply personal chord, proving once again that a bucket of ice can spark a global conversation.
In a nostalgic twist, Peyton Manning, one of the first NFL players to participate in the original Ice Bucket Challenge in 2014, has rejoined the movement. After being nominated by Steve Gleason and a group of Broncos fans, Manning poured ice water over himself and subsequently nominated his former Colts teammate, Jeff Saturday, GM Bill Polian, and OC Tom Moore. Now, he has challenged his younger brother, Eli Manning, to take part in the revived challenge.
Eli Manning, who embraced the challenge with enthusiasm, accepted his brother’s nomination and invited his nephew, Arch Manning, alongside NFL players like Dexter Lawrence and former Giants teammate Shaun O’Hara to join him. Captured on video sitting poolside, Eli was doused with ice-cold water after issuing his nominations. This playful family moment highlights the challenge's spirit while also emphasizing the serious message behind it.
Active Minds has highlighted an alarming trend among young people regarding mental health awareness. “Active Minds has found that 70% of youth and adults don’t know how to speak with a friend about mental health,” Brett Curtis noted. He further warned that “the data shows us that 50% of all Americans will face a mental health condition in our lifetime.” With mental health issues on the rise, the revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge could not come at a more critical time.
The MIND club at USC initially aimed to keep the campaign localized, but the viral nature of the challenge has propelled it to national attention, raising significant funds and awareness. The ALS Association, a long-time supporter of the original Ice Bucket Challenge, has welcomed this new iteration. “We’re thrilled to see the spirit of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge live on in new forms of activism,” they stated.
As the campaign gains momentum, it serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health discussions. The Ice Bucket Challenge was initially launched in 2014 to raise funds for ALS research, and while it succeeded in raising millions, it also sparked conversations about the disease and its impact. This new challenge aims to do the same for mental health, encouraging individuals to speak openly about their struggles.
As the #SpeakYourMIND campaign continues to grow, it highlights the need for ongoing conversations about mental health and the importance of supporting one another. The campaign is not only about raising funds but also about breaking the stigma that surrounds mental health issues. In a world where many young people feel isolated in their struggles, the initiative offers a platform for connection and understanding.
With the involvement of high-profile figures like Peyton and Eli Manning, the challenge has the potential to reach an even wider audience, inspiring more people to participate and share their stories. As the campaign progresses, it could pave the way for increased awareness and advocacy for mental health, ultimately helping to save lives.
In the end, the #SpeakYourMIND campaign is more than just a revival of a viral trend; it is a movement aimed at changing the narrative around mental health. By encouraging open conversations and providing a support network, it seeks to empower individuals to share their experiences and seek help when needed. As the ice-cold water flows, so too does the hope for a more compassionate and understanding society.
