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Active Minds is a movement, a community, and a testament to what can happen when individuals come together to prioritize mental health. As someone deeply connected to its mission, Active Minds is a part of my identity, my journey as an advocate, and my experiences as a student. Reflecting on the 21 years since Alison Malmon founded the organization, I am reminded of Active Minds continued mission: to change the conversation around mental health.
Authored by Active Minds. Its hard to believe that more than a decade has passed since the Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm. But all these years later, the Ice Bucket Challenge is back, reimagined by the University of South Carolina’s MIND club to support mental health awareness. Inspired by the 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge, which supported the ALS Foundation and brought awareness to the fight against ALS, the #SpeakYourMIND Challenge was started to make conversation about mental
Authored by Active Minds. University of California, Riverside has been recognized as our April Chapter of the Month! UC Riverside always goes above and beyond to create a vibrant campus environment. Their ongoing community engagement is evident through initiatives like Well-being Walk-in Wednesdays and Grad Time, which provide continuous support, not just one-off moments.
Authored by Alicia Elms. The Emerging Scholar Fellowship , generously supported by the Scattergood Foundation for Behavioral Health and Macys , is a unique opportunity for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or Persons of Color (BIPOC) to work on their own groundbreaking mental health-related independent research. Active Minds is proud to facilitate change by supporting our fellows through funding, mentorship, and amplification.
Active Minds has had another successful internship semester with the 2024 Fall class, and as this intern cohort finishes up their semester with us, we want to take a moment to reflect on their incredible contributions to mental health advocacy. Throughout the semester, these interns have demonstrated dedication and creativity in promoting mental well-being.
Authored by Rae James. Mental health advocacy doesnt require a law degree, a title, or a seat in a government office. It starts with something we all have: a voice. As youth advocates for mental health, we started by doing what anyone can do refusing to be bystanders. We saw the stigma. We saw the gaps. And instead of waiting for someone with more qualifications, we stood up and spoke out.
Authored by Rae James. April is here bringing more sun, warmer weather, and, yes, exams. Balancing stress and anxiety with life’s demands can feel overwhelming and isolating. Thats why Active Minds launched Stress Less Week , a national program that occurs in the fall and spring each year. Our goal with Stress Less Week is clear: build communities that address stress and anxiety in support of mental health and to encourage individuals to understand that talking about ones struggles is a s
Authored by Rae James. The more I read and the closer I looked at the patients under my care, I could see High-Functioning Depression (HFD) was everywhere. But people couldn’t go to their doctor and ask for a diagnosis or a prescription for antidepressants for it. If they did, the doctor would run through a quick screening tool for depression that looks for lack of functioning and acute distress.
Have you ever wondered how Active Minds can impact your school or community? Jonathan M. Solomon, a former school psychologist for the Howard County (MD) Public School System, shared his experience with the National Association of School Psychologists. Solomon knows youth mental health is increasingly at risk, and showcases how establishing an Active Minds chapter at his school helped him efficiently run important programming and reach students across an entire district.
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Authored by Elena Smith. The Emerging Scholar Fellowship , generously supported by the Scattergood Foundation for Behavioral Health and Macys , is a unique opportunity for students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or Persons of Color (BIPOC) to work on their own groundbreaking mental health-related independent research. Active Minds is proud to facilitate change by supporting our fellows through funding, mentorship, and amplification.
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 terrible layup, and was a great friend. He made you laugh, challenged what you knew or thought you knew, and just made you feel good.
Authored by Rae James. As the class of 2025 celebrates their graduation and tosses their caps into the sky, I cant help but feel a sense of recognition. Leaving college is always a bittersweet moment, the end of one chapter and the start of another. It’s a time of parting ways with familiar faces and places youve come to know as you welcome in a new phase of life.
Authored by Rae James. We are beyond excited to announce a historic milestone in Active Minds journey: weve surpassed our goal of reaching 1,000 K-12 schools in 1,000 days , and we did it months ahead of schedule ! Each of these K-12 schools joined our mental health movement by bringing Active Minds to their school, demonstrating a prioritization of mental health in their communities.
Authored by Rae James. 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 that speaking up and using my voice were actions I had never considered.
Authored by Alison Malmon. At twenty five years, its about all the things he has missed. Its the longing for everything that didnt happen, the things that couldnt happen, because hes 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 even real that he was gone.
The series brought together Black male mental health professionals, educators, and students for honest conversations about identity, historical trauma, masculinity, and mental wellness.
Authored by Active Minds. Today, the 30th commemoration of Martin Luther King Jr. National Day of Service, celebrates the legacy of one of historys most transformative leaders and calls on each of us to honor his life through action. Dr. Kings unwavering commitment to civil rights, social justice, and equality reminds us of the profound impact we can have when we come together in service of others.
Authored by Jessica Mayorga. Active Minds is no stranger to setting big goals and, proudly, were no stranger to overachieving to maximize our impact. Most recently, we shared our incredible success with our 1K in 1K campaign, where we sought to reach 1,000 high schools nationwide in 1,000 days. Not only did we achieve our goal, but thanks to the support of countless educators and community leaders, we exceeded it months before the 1,000-day mark.
The post Renowned Psychiatrist & Popular Content Creator Dr. Judith Joseph to Keynote the 2025 Active Minds Mental Health Conference appeared first on Active Minds.
Are you feeling the weight of uncertainty? New beginnings can bring the positive, negative, and everything in between. Here's my advice for adapting when graduating into the unknown.
The post National Recording Artist Justine Skye Announced as Keynote Speaker for the 2025 Active Minds Mental Health Conference appeared first on Active Minds.
The post The Revival of the Ice Bucket Challenge Supports and Highlights the Critical Need for Mental Health Awareness and Discussions appeared first on Active Minds.
The post Active Minds and The ALS Association Join Forces this May to Raise Awareness and Support for Mental Health and ALS appeared first on Active Minds.
Authored by Active Minds. Creighton University is recognized as Chapter of the Month for outstanding advocacy work promoting mental health accessibility and awareness on campus. Their efforts range from text-based booking for counseling appointments to hosting lectures and events about approaching mental health holistically. Creighton University’s dedication to breaking down barriers and making mental health care easier to access is aspirational.
Authored by Rae James. So, its that time of the year again January rolls around, and suddenly everyones making resolutions and reflecting on life. But heres the thing: fresh starts dont follow a calendar. Trust me, Ive learned this firsthand. Change doesnt wait for a specific date; it just shows up, usually uninvited, and asks, Are you ready? Spoiler alert: youre rarely ready.
Once a month, Active Minds recognizes a chapter that has demonstrated exemplary work and a strong commitment to mental health advocacy. American Canyon High School has earned the title of Chapter of the Month through its commitment to decreasing mental health stigma through community engagement. This chapter consistently supports their student body, whether they are hosting interactive activities or simply providing a safe space for anyone at school who needs it.
From the advisors (school counselors): Kaitlyn Robichaud and Courtney Selig This blog was written by Whitman-Hanson Regional High School’s Active Minds advisors about their experience supporting student-led efforts to advance mental health in their community. This is the second of two pieces sharing the story of these students’ advocacy. To read about this journey/story from the perspective of Whitman-Hanson Regional High School students, click here.
From the students (officers): Aliyah Chapman, Liz Kowlski, Rylee McTernan, Morin Yacoub, and Maren Bowmen After losing our friend Ava to suicide, we didn’t know what to do. We lost her at the end of the 2023 school year and it was a hard summer trying to make sense of everything. We thought about the “new normal” we would face as we navigated the next school year without her.
It’s never too early to start planning for your future. As you return to school looking forward to charting a new year, it’s important to consider how your actions today inform your path tomorrow. This new season is the perfect time to start thinking about your career and plans for the future. Many of you already have a solid plan, while others are still creating yours.
As a former educator on the south side of Chicago, I know firsthand the excitement and challenges of launching a new school year. The start of the school year sets the tone for what’s to come. We plan everything—the schedules, the curricula, the safety drills—but too often, mental health programming gets overlooked. And in today’s climate, that’s a mistake we can’t afford to make.
The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy (Academy) is a leadership development and mental health advocacy program that equips BIPOC and LGBTQ+ high school students to address mental health-related issues and affect change in their schools, communities, and states. Recently, four alumni from the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy told us about their experiences and what they learned from the program as well as how they are leading mental health change in their schools and communities.
Understanding Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Suicide Prevention Awareness Month takes place every September and is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide so that together we can take action and save lives. Every year 726,000 people die by suicide. Youth mental health continues to be one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with the U.S.
Are you a college student who sometimes feels overwhelmed by the pressures of academic life? Are you struggling to manage stress and find the support you need on campus? Look no further! Active Minds and First Aid Beauty have partnered to engage college students like you to share your voices and impact your communities today, and for years to come. If you’re feeling the stress of school and personal life, we want to help.
It is officially the start of the new school year in our home. For me, the last few days have been packed with back-school-shopping for my new middle schooler, orchestra supplies, theater fundraisers, and monitoring my own mental health as a single parent during this time. For you, though, I imagine the back-to-school transition is exciting and kind of terrifying.
As the curtains close on the 2024 Active Minds Mental Health Conference, we find ourselves reflecting not only on the inspiring conversations and thought-provoking ideas shared over the weekend but also on the palpable energy that filled every session. From keynotes that uplifted the voices of Gen Z and allies, to interactive workshops, this year’s conference brought together passionate students, advocates, and experts, all with lived experiences in a collective mission to reshape the conversat
Conferences are amazing opportunities to learn, network, and get inspired. But let’s face it: they can also be overwhelming. With packed schedules, endless information, and the constant buzz of activity, it’s easy to forget about yourself. That’s why self-care is essential for thriving, not just surviving, a conference. Why Self-Care Matters Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s strategic.
Heads up, Active Minds fam! We all know that attending mental health events can be incredibly rewarding. But let’s be honest, sometimes the topics can be triggering. Flashbacks? Anxiety spikes? We’ve all been there. But fear not, because we’re here with a battle plan for self-care to help you navigate those tough moments and ** emerge victorious** from triggering events.
Are you a young adult who’s passionate about mental health? Feeling the weight of stress, anxiety, or just the pressure to be “okay”? You’re not alone! Millions of young people just like you are navigating the complexities of life, and sometimes it feels overwhelming. But guess what? There’s a movement happening, and it’s being driven by YOU.
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