Advocacy & Awareness
Permission to be Human
I grew up in the gymnastics world where things were never good enough. Coaches were demanding, sure, but my pursuit of perfection and pushing through difficulty had nothing to do with them. It was all in me. When the world gasped when Kerri Strug completed her vault on her injured ankle in the Atlanta Olympics…
Seeking Mental Health Services for the First Time: What You REALLY Need to Know
As the pandemic continues, a recent report from the Healthy Minds Network found that half of students screened positive for depression and/or anxiety in Fall 2020. Many with pre-existing mental health challenges may be experiencing exacerbated symptoms, while others may be struggling with maintaining positive emotional wellbeing for the first time. If so, they may…
LGBTQ+ and BIPOC Mental Health Matter All Year Long
June (Pride month) and July (BIPOC Mental Health Month) are historically times in our society to recognize, celebrate, and advocate for the LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities. While it is important to acknowledge the strides our society has made during particular moments; it is vital that the conversations around the well-being of those in these communities…
Anxiety, Fear Living Amid Anti-Semitism
Visible or not, hatred is an aspect of society that affects every one of us. It comes in many shapes and forms and centers around no one specific thing, person, or issue. While many have dealt with feelings or the consequences of hatred at some point in their lives, some of us, particularly marginalized groups,…
67% of Us Feel Like Naomi Osaka: How Should Our Culture Shift Post-COVID?
It’s a common refrain spoken in all aspects of life but especially in sports: “If you’re tired, learn to rest, not quit.” So, why wasn’t tennis pro Naomi Osaka allowed to rest? In case you haven’t been following, Osaka recently sparked a heated national conversation after announcing that she would not participate in any press…
The Harms of Canceling Spring Break
According to the College Crisis Initiative, 59% of universities in the United States either replaced or completely canceled their 2021 Spring Break as of March 31st, 2021. This decision is certainly understandable. Spring break is often associated with massive parties, which would now be classified as superspreader events as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Canceling spring break…
Mental Health Care is Not a Bad Look
One year into the pandemic, there is so much we are all hoping to put behind us once we emerge from it. However, lately, I’ve been thinking a lot about all that I hope is here to stay. We’re witnessing real-time innovations in digital health, for example, with mental health in particular finally being given…
Black Individuals and Organizations You Should Know in the Mental Health Field
Black History Month is a time where the contributions of Black Americans are specially recognized and applauded. While it is important to acknowledge Black individuals that have changed history during this month, this appreciation, recognition, and acknowledgment should occur at all times. Black history and Black mental health matters all year long. Below, we have…
Congratulations 2021 Active Minds National Conference Award Winners
Every year at the Active Minds National Conference, we take time to recognize the dedication, passion, leadership, and achievements of individuals, schools, and chapters over the past year. This year has been exceptionally challenging, but chapters and leaders rose to the occasion and innovated through creative ways to leave a lasting impact on their communities….
Myths About Suicide
Content Warning: Suicide, self-harm, trauma, psychiatric hospitalization. Two important things to know: Mental health is treatable. Suicide is preventable. When we all have the facts about mental health, we can better support the loved ones in our lives in getting the help they need. Unfortunately, while suicide remains the second leading cause of death for…
Active Minds is the nation's premier nonprofit organization promoting mental health for young adults.