Holidays & Observances
Remembering Brian: Twenty-Five Years Later
At twenty five years, it’s about all the things he has missed. It’s the longing for everything that didn’t happen, the things that couldn’t happen, because he’s no longer here. Grief has been a strange road, one that cannot truly be explained. It started with being all-consuming, a disbelief that this stage in life was…
One Word, One Phrase, One Sentence.
Black History Month is a special time to reflect on the past, present, and future accomplishments of Black Americans and individuals in the diaspora. It is also a time (as it should be year-round) to uplift the voices and words of the next generation, something that often gets overlooked. Reflecting on my journey, I realized…
Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service and the Power of Supporting Our Communities
Today, the 30th commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, celebrates the legacy of one of history’s most transformative leaders and calls on each of us to honor his life through action. Dr. King’s unwavering commitment to civil rights, social justice, and equality reminds us of the profound impact we can have…
Let’s Check In: Embracing The Many Feelings of Thanksgiving
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, we thought it would be a good time to check in. This time of the year — filled with talks of going home to visit family and favorite Thanksgiving foods or traditions — can mean a million different things, depending on who you’re speaking with. Whether you are feeling…
A Note From Alison on International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day
Today is International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day. A day where millions around the world come together to remember those we have lost to suicide. For me, every day is one that I remember and miss my brother, Brian. He was wickedly smart, had an amazing, dry wit, an unexpectedly low bass singing voice, a…
What does it mean to support young trans people in an unsupportive world?
Content Warning: This piece contains mentions of violence, death, and suicide. Today, November 20th, marks the 25th occurrence of Transgender Day of Remembrance. Initially created in 1999 as a vigil to memorialize Rita Hester and all others lost to anti-transgender violence that year, this day of observance has since evolved into a global movement. Transgender…
Prioritizing Your Voice and Mental Health This Election Season
Election season often brings heavy political discussions. The constant barrage of political narratives, whether in debates, news outlets, social media, or even around the dinner table, can take a significant toll on your mental health. As an immigrant with a large immigrant family, I find dinner conversations especially frustrating. My family’s values differ from mine…
Let Girls Be Girls: Navigating the Maze of Girls’ Mental Health
There seems to be a pop culture shift happening. The word “girl” has gone from once being used as a schoolyard insult to an everyday compliment with phrases like “That’s so girl,” its own budgeting strategy with “girl math,” an exercise with “hot girl walks,” and even 2023 being marked as the “Year of the…
You Can Restart Anytime: Expectations of New Year’s Resolutions vs. Reality
The new year brings intentions of resetting, creating goals, and making the most of this fresh start. Often, we find ourselves adopting new habits, exploring unfamiliar routines, and working towards the “best” version of ourselves. However, this exciting time of renewal and change can often come with heightened expectations. It’s easy to get consumed with…
Improving Your Mental Wellness: Where to Start
The clinical definition of well-being comprises four components: the individual realizes their abilities, can cope with the everyday stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and can contribute to their community. Simple, right? If only. In my one and half years as a college student, I have learned the importance of stress management, which…
Active Minds is the largest nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society.