Advocacy & Awareness
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…
Debunking Myths About Bipolar Disorder
Have you ever heard someone say, “The weather has been so bipolar”? Or make an off-hand comment of “He’s been acting so bipolar,” when someone’s mood has been more erratic than usual? These phrases, while seemingly harmless, actually have a deeper impact than we might realize. When we use mental illnesses like bipolar disorder as…
How to Get Involved in Mental Health Advocacy As a High School Student
Are you a high school student looking to become more involved in mental health advocacy in your community? Chances are, if you’re reading this, you fit this description or know someone who does. Well, allow me to tell you some amazing news: the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy is gearing up to take on…
Unpacking the Relationship Between Reproductive Rights and Student Mental Health
Happy International Women’s Day to all the women who continue to stay strong and work hard to fight the injustice that clouds our reproductive rights. As a woman, mother of three, and student, I’d like to talk about the impact of recently proposed policies concerning reproductive freedom on student mental health and the importance of…
Addressing Disordered Eating on College Campuses
Content Warning: This piece contains mentions of disordered eating/eating disorders. Starting college can introduce a lot of new stressors in our daily lives, both expected and unexpected. You might be ready for long nights of studying, trouble making friends, or bouts of homesickness. However, what you might not expect is the impact that living on…
Your Guide to Mental Health Legislation in 2023
Today, on World Social Justice Day, we are reminded of the ongoing struggle to create a more just and equitable society for all. Addressing racial inequality is one of the key components of this effort to ensure marginalized communities have access to the same opportunities and resources as others and recognize the unique challenges faced…
Biden Administration Reaffirms Commitment to Mental Health – What This Means for Young Adults
This year, the Biden administration reaffirmed its commitment to the Unity Agenda, announced during the 2022 State of the Union, which includes a heavy emphasis on tackling the mental health crisis. The Unity Agenda includes three objectives related to supporting mental health: creating healthy environments, strengthening system capacity, and connecting more Americans to care. While…
Discussing Mental Health After College with Rory McIlroy
I’ll be honest: talking about mental health and Active Minds with Rory McIlroy was not on my 2022 bingo card. But, that’s where I spent this weekend, as a representative of Active Minds, sharing their life-saving mission on national television next to some of the sports’ greatest stars. I’ve been a part of Active Minds…
Inclusivity in Mental Health Research Can’t Happen Without Me and You
As the co-president of Active Minds at Vanderbilt University, a student studying psychology and public health, and as an Asian American woman, I’ve seen first-hand the effects that a lack of inclusive mental health support and resources can have on a community. It’s detrimental to not only those who are under-represented but to everyone existing…
Managing Financial Stress: Tips for College Students
“Once I get more money, I’ll be able to afford the laptop I need. I’ll be able to pay off my student loans. Maybe I’ll be able to take a week off.” Despite it still being relatively taboo to discuss, money is a driving factor in our lives. It can dominate our thoughts, and lead…
Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults.