Holidays & Observances
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…
I Am Black History: The Importance of Mental Health in Carrying On Legacies
My name is Dr. Dena Keeling — I’m the vice president of equity and inclusion at Active Minds. I like to say that I was born to judge systems of inequity and oppression, to bring justice by creating new antiracist systems, and to celebrate Black people in all of our intersectionalities. After all, my name…
How to Practice Self-Love (Even When It Feels Impossible)
It’s more than normal in life to want to love and be loved. Love, after all, is around us — it exists with our family, friends, neighbors, communities, in movies and on TV, and, arguably, most importantly with ourselves. But, figuring out how to practice self-love can be more difficult than learning how to love…
School Counselors’ Crucial Role in Student Mental Health
It’s no surprise that school counselors play an important role in supporting student mental health, well-being, and academic success in K-12 schools. They are the people most engaged in programs and activities that help students develop healthy goals, mindsets, and behaviors. They are making a difference in the daily lives of our K-12 students and…
The Impact of Bullying on Mental Health, From a K-8 Expert
“Sticks and stones may break my bones but words will never hurt me.” A common phrase often used to imply that the words people say to us don’t, or shouldn’t, have an impact on us. But let’s be honest: especially when it comes to the impact of bullying on mental health, we know that this…
Your Guide to Creating Mental Health Communities at HBCUs
Our Active Minds Chapter at Morgan State University was definitely created out of necessity. Prior to the creation of the chapter at Morgan State – one of the nation’s historically Black universities (or HBCUs) – there were no student-led organizations dedicated to addressing mental health on campus. Close to the end of her freshman year,…
New Year, Same Me: What 2023 Means for Mental Health
Let the new year begin – hello 2023! When people think of the new year, what first comes to mind, alongside fireworks and parties, is often a fresh start. Many of us are anticipating the excitement of the months ahead, crafting a list of 2023 resolutions in our notes app – including an unprecedented amount…
Your Guide To New Year’s Resolutions That Support Your Mental Health
And with that, the 2022 season comes to an end! The end of the year marks new beginnings for many people. It often represents a fresh start and indicates a pivotal time to make a change. New Year’s resolutions also often present an opportunity for these changes to occur, and can interact with our mental…