Blog Posts by ilana.davis24@gmail.com
Changing the Conversation one Story at a Time
Last week marked the end to an incredible internship at Active Minds that spanned two semesters. What I have learned in this past year is far more valuable than a simple preparation for my professional career; it provided me with the opportunity to convey my own experience with mental illness to a community that supports…
Changing Weather, Changing Moods
I’ve always struggled with the changing weather and lack of sunlight brought on by the fall season. As the months move from September to October to November, I find myself staying indoors and in my bed. The times I do leave my room, I am persistent on only wearing black leggings and baggy sweatshirts to…
Consuming the News with Mental Health in Mind
Upon finishing the prolific and frankly disturbing HBO series, “Years and Years,” I could not stop thinking about politics and the news and pop culture and international relations. What is my role in all of this; do I have a role in this? A synopsis of the show reads: The six-part series follows the British…
Battle Poem
Sensitive Topic: This post includes imagery of war. While sharing my feelings through conversation proves to be difficult time and time again, I have found solace in writing and poetry. Rhythmic lines and simple rhymes help gather my thoughts and put them into something resembling cohesion. When I’m faced with dark and anxious thoughts, it…
The Good Place: Bringing Light to the Nature of Anxiety
Three seasons of The Good Place later, and I am still as invested as when the series first began. The concepts the show puts in place of heaven and hell, morality and ethical codes, are depicted as traditional concepts and systems that must be reformed. The concept is clever enough, but the characters are what…
you good?
“You good?” — A question I would ask to a friend I knew was up studying until the early morning. To my roomate struggling to maintain a long distance relationship while at school. When I see someone close to me struggle to leave her bed or finish her schoolwork, I ask, “you good?” When words…
Our Tiny Planet
Caring for the world around me can be difficult when I struggle to care for myself. How can I put energy towards combating climate change or separating plastics from trash, when I already face so much difficulty in maintaining a proper meal plan and even waking myself for class? But Earth Day is so much…
Spring Stress Less Tips
It is not just the stress of exams and finals, but the endless possibilities that can result from my performance, causing overwhelming stress to take over my mind and body. While exhilarating and motivating, these uncertainties can translate poorly to one’s mental health, which is why self care is so important to recognize and maintain…
My Panic Attack Playlist
When my heart begins to race and my thoughts run cloudy with irrational and targeted thoughts, I often find myself reaching for my phone, for my music, for the songs I grouped into a category boldly labeled panic attack playlist. There are endless songs that can help one get through a panic attack, but when…
Active Minds is the nation’s leading nonprofit organization promoting mental health awareness and education for young adults.