#MHDChallenge: The dance fighting mental health stigma

In 2017, Chrissy Boodram founded the #MHDChallenge – a dance routine challenge that aims to encourage people to look after their mental health, and wellbeing, and empower them to fight back against mental illness and its stigma

“I had the idea for the #MHDChallenge about 2 years before I actually got the ball rolling,” Chrissy tells us. “I knew it would be a project that would take time and effort and with the responsibilities of my TV show, I didn’t think I could fit it in. But you know how it is when an idea just gets bigger and bigger. I just couldn’t keep it on the back burner anymore, especially when I was constantly hearing about so many people going through mental health issues and the suicide rates continuing at a high level. So I went for it, not knowing how I would put it all together or how it would work out. But I took a risk and it’s paid off. I’ve had the opportunity to speak to hundreds of young people especially, about their mental health in a fun and memorable way through the #MHDChallenge.”

How does it work?

• Step 1: Watch the official dance video.

• Step 2: Watch the tutorial and learn the dance.

• Step 3: Download the official dance tune for free on chrissybshow.tv

• Step 4: Record yourself doing the challenge, share it online and challenge your friends and colleagues to do the same stating the following:

“I (your name) challenge you (your friend’s/colleagues names) to do the Chrissy B Show’s #MHDchallenge” Remember to use the hashtag #MHDchallenge #chrissybshow #VYG

Your video could be selected to air on the Chrissy B Show on mytv SKY 203.

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Chrissy, who has previously shared her experience of depression with Happiful, is now taking the #MHDChallenge into schools where she hopes her message will help young people to develop an open, healthy attitude towards mental health. Recently, Chrissy visited St Andrews CofE VC Primary in Stanstead Abbotts and Brookmans Park Primary, Hatfield where a total of 364 pupils took part in the dance.

Speaking of the #MHDChallenge, Shirley Arnold, headteacher at St Andrew’s, said: “The challenge was a great opportunity to broaden the children’s understanding of what mental health is and how to determine for themselves when they are feeling mentally unwell and to reach out for help when the need arises. It was also an opportunity to reach out to the parents and to further include them in experiencing school life. I feel it is vital that we ensure that children are feeling happy and safe in their learning environment, ensuring that they are able to reach their full learning potential.”

“Most people like to dance and it’s also a great form of fitness which as we all know is great for mental health.” Says Chrissy, who hopes that the challenge will help people express themselves in a different way.

So what’s next for #MHDChallenge?

“I’m continuing my tour to schools, and am also considering an official training programme where the #MHDChallenge can be rolled out across the country.” Says Chrissy. “Who knows what will happen next!”

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For more information, visit the Chrissy B website.