We all remember the #icebucketchallenge that took social media by storm a couple years ago in efforts to raise awareness for ALS. Recently, there has been a new challenge that has been blowing up newsfeed's all over the country, the #22pushupchallenge.

This challenge is quite time-consuming and requires a lot more planning than throwing a bucket of ice water on your head. The challenge requires you to film yourself doing 22 pushups every day for 22 days and consequently posting your recording on social media.

The challenge aims to raise awareness for Veteran suicides in the USA. The challenge was started by 22KILL, which was founded in summer of 2016. According to their statistics, each day 22 Veterans will take their lives each year. The pushup challenge both raises awareness of the physical exertion of those who serve our country and the toll that this service can take.

There have been mixed responses in regards to the 22 pushup challenge. Some have been applauding the effort, some have been partaking in it and others have been sharing other's posts. Some have been disappointed that the challenge doesn't ask more of the people taking part of the movement. According to this view, awareness is important, but just awareness does not do anything to change the issue. Without donations at a minimum, they say, all this challenge is doing is increasing your bicep size and doing nothing to actually support struggling Veterans.

Some are skeptical about the validity of the statistics provided for the challenge. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, Veterans accounted for 18% of all suicides in 2014, an average of 20 a day in comparison to 2010, where veterans accounted for 22%, an average of 22 a day. Regardless, even one Veteran lost to suicide is too many.

Many Veterans have witnessed combat in their service, and life-threatening events like this can contribute to PTSD. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, about 15% of Vietnam Veterans, 12% of Gulf War Veterans, and between 11-20% of OIF and OEF Veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD, however it is estimated that the numbers are in reality much higher. Among those using VA health, it is estimated that 55% of women and 38% of men have experienced sexual assault while in service. The specific relationship between trauma and suicide is debatable, as it is difficult to determine whether trauma makes one more prone to suicide or whether it is other mental illnesses concurrent with trauma patients that leads to suicide.

Whether or not you agree with the challenge, raising awareness for an important cause is the first step in becoming involved with a cause and taking action.

You can learn more and donate here: https://www.22kill.com/