Advocacy & Awareness
What Is a Leave of Absence? How to Understand, Evaluate, and Improve Campus Policy
Student health, especially mental health, has become a priority in higher education. To better support students that are dealing with a variety of issues, including mental health challenges, many colleges have implemented Leave of Absence (LOA) policies. These policies outline the processes that allow students to take a pause from their studies to focus on…
Reflections and Resources in Honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day
Today is Indigenous People’s Day, a day to commemorate the histories and cultures of many Indigenous communities. While we celebrate the diversity of Indigenous peoples and their strong connections to community, family, and traditions, we also acknowledge the impact colonialism has made on their communities. This has been attributed to historical trauma that has impacted…
Will Ted Lasso Take Part in Changing the Culture around Mental Health?
Disclaimer: Information in this blog post discusses up to season two, episode ten of “Ted Lasso.” Ted Lasso, the protagonist of my new favorite show, is an American football coach turned fútbol (soccer) coach who experiences the challenges of an unfamiliar sport while coaching at one of the highest levels in the world. Ted Lasso,…
Processing Difficult News Together: How to Be there for the Veterans in Your Life
There’s no doubt that seeing the recent events in Afghanistan continuously on the news and social media can be emotional. Many of us have experienced reactions to the news, from feelings of grief, to sadness, to uncertainty, or even anger. We hope that you know that no matter what you’re feeling, it’s okay. It’s okay…
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…
Active Minds is the nation's premier nonprofit organization promoting mental health for young adults.