May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This special month encourages us to raise awareness, foster empathy, and actively work towards reducing the stigma often associated with mental health.
Remember when social media was filled with people drenching themselves in icy water? The viral #IceBucketChallenge took the internet by storm in 2014, spreading awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or Lou Gehrig’s disease. Now, a decade later, brace yourself because the buckets of ice are making a comeback, but this time, for a different cause.
The chilly challenge remains the same: dump ice water on your head and challenge others to do the same. However, its purpose has shifted towards a new mission of bringing attention to mental health. A mental health club at the University of South Carolina initiated the challenge last month, raising awareness and funds to change the stigma surrounding mental health in youth and young adults. Already the campaign had generated over $395,000.
So, gear up for a freezing, fun, and meaningful challenge that promotes mental health awareness, while also reigniting the charitable spirit of the original Ice Bucket Challenge. Let’s flood social with photos to show support for Mental Health Awareness!
For information or to connect with a Mental Health professional click here.
If you would like to donate locally, click here to support Northern Light Acadia Hospital.
Share this article with those who may enjoy this challenge and want to band together for Mental Health Awareness Month.