Blog Posts by trmatth1@asu.edu
What to Expect at the 2024 Active Minds Mental Health Conference
The Active Minds Mental Health Conference is unlike any other. I had the privilege of helping to plan the conference as part of the Student Advisory Committee in 2022 and 2023, though I still walked in like it was my first time. The culture at the conference was incredible, and I left feeling seen and…
Three Ways to Support Transgender People’s Mental Health During Difficult Times
As a transgender man, Transgender Day of Remembrance is a day that’s near and dear to my heart. For most transgender and gender non-conforming youth, it is one of the ways we honor our elders, peers, and history, even if we cannot come out. In 2023, we are honoring the 19 transgender and non-binary siblings…
Three Myths About Borderline Personality Disorder and The Truth Behind Them
I remember when I was beginning to struggle with my borderline personality disorder (BPD) symptoms. I asked my psychiatrist, “What is my diagnosis?” and she refused to tell me. I later learned that I fit the criteria for BPD, but my psychiatrist did not want to label me. When I went on the internet searching…
Five Ways to Support Transgender Students’ Mental Health
As a Transgender man, I’ve always noticed the many ways people convey their shock that I am a man before and during transition. It was just this morning that someone asked me, “You have a feminine voice, are you a girl?” and I had to “out” myself to feel affirmed. I remember being in an…
Sharing Hope During Suicide Prevention Month
Content Warning: Mention of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. The world needs you here because…well, why? For those living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders, the answer can sometimes feel unclear. And in a time when racism, transphobia, homophobia, antisemitism, and ableism continue to persist, I know firsthand how hard it can…
Ending the Stigma Around Men’s Mental Health as a Transgender Man
Content Warning: This piece contains mentions of suicide statistics. Being perceived as less of a man when expressing emotion. Facing unrealistic stereotypes and expectations. Being made to feel like your mental health doesn’t matter, or that you can’t struggle with your feelings without being invalidated. As a transgender man, these are all experiences I’ve dealt…
Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults.