General

January 14, 2026 — I was around 11 years old the first time my mother brought me into the kitchen and, unknowingly, opened a door that would one day help save my life. I didn’t realize she was carrying her own mental health challenges. What I did know was that being in the kitchen felt different. It felt safe. She taught me simple meals and always said something that stuck with me: “Flavors are like people. When they blend well, you bring out something special.” At that age, I didn’t understand the depth of what she meant. But I understood how it felt to take a few ingredients and create something meaningful. Over time, the kitchen became a place where I could breathe. Growing up around addiction and instability, there were many days when life felt heavy and unpredictable. But the kitchen didn’t demand perfection from me. It didn’t judge me. It just asked me to show up. Even if everything around me felt out of control, I could reach for ingredients and work through my emotions step by step. Cooking became my therapy long before I ever used the word 'therapy.' As life got harder — through grief, loss, depression, and seasons of feeling overwhelmed — the kitchen remained steady. When I didn’t know what to do with what I was feeling, I cooked. When I needed silence, I cooked. When I needed comfort, I cooked. Something about turning raw, unfinished ingredients into something nourishing for both my body and soul helped me believe things in my life could transform, too, if I gave them time. Eventually, cooking became a way for me to connect with others. I started inviting people over, hosting dinners, and creating community around the table. What had once been my private coping space became a place where others felt welcomed, seen, and cared for. I’m not a world-renowned chef. But I am someone who learned how to take what I had and create something meaningful. And that lesson goes far beyond food. Maybe cooking isn’t your outlet. Maybe it’s writing, movement, music, journaling, or something else creative that helps you process your emotions. Whatever it is, I hope you find a space — no matter what that looks like — that helps you feel grounded and safe. A place where you can slow down, breathe, and show up as you are. Cooking gave me a sense of control when everything else felt unstable. It showed me that healing doesn’t always happen in big moments. Sometimes it happens in quiet places where we gather what we have and do the best we can. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s this: You don’t have to be perfect to create something beautiful. You just have to begin.

January 10, 2026 — The winter brings with it holiday cheer and cozy sweaters, but if you’d rather hibernate until it’s over, you’re not being dramatic. The colder weather and shorter days can and sometimes do impact your mental health negatively. It’s common to feel more tired and gloomy, which is why the term “winter blues” is so popular. For some students, the season can be especially hard, as it often lines up with the start of a new semester and all the stress that comes with those transitions. You may feel unmotivated to attend class or even spend time with friends. Here’s how the shift into winter can affect your headspace, as well as practical ways to boost your mood. Ways Seasonal Changes Can Influence Your Mental Health As the mornings get darker and the temperature drops, getting out of bed may take more effort than usual. It’s easy to brush it off as laziness, but don’t beat yourself up too much. Research shows that the changes during fall and winter can affect the chemicals in your brain and the way your body functions: Lower serotonin levels: Shorter daylight hours reduce serotonin, which is the chemical in your brain that helps regulate your mood. Circadian rhythm disruption: The circadian rhythm — or the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle — is primarily influenced by light. Since sun exposure is low during the winter, your body may not receive the signal to stay awake and alert. Overproduction of melatonin: Melatonin is a hormone that helps control sleep. The brain begins producing this hormone as daylight fades. Those with winter-pattern seasonal affective disorder (SAD) produce more of it, causing you to feel sleepy and sluggish much of the time. While seasonal depression can be associated with the lack of sunlight, there are other factors to consider, as well. Isolation is one of them. Winter can also make your world feel smaller as the cold keeps you indoors, making you prone to social isolation and loneliness. Both of these conditions can increase your risk of depression and anxiety. Another way seasonal changes can influence your mental health is through a lack of physical activity. The flu season often overlaps with fall and winter, so even if you want to push yourself to exercise, it can be harder to stay consistent. As activity slows down, mood often follows. Many people don’t realize how much they rely on being outdoors until winter hits. Your body needs movement and sunlight to keep your head clear. When both become less accessible, you might feel sad and slow. Signs the Seasonal Changes Negatively Affect Your Mental Health If you feel sadder and more drowsy than usual, it could be a sign that the seasonal change is affecting your mood. It is normal to feel a little down as the seasons change from summer to fall and fall to winter. In fact, 38% of Americans experience a decline in mood during the winter. But for some people, seasonal changes can cause much more than just winter blues. It can snowball into a diagnosable condition known as Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often referred to as seasonal depression. The most common symptoms include feeling sad and hopeless, having low energy, oversleeping, and losing interest in activities that used to bring you joy. Some people also experience changes in appetite, like craving carbs, which may lead to weight gain.  Although anyone can get the winter blues, SAD is more likely to happen to those with a personal or family history of depression – it’s also more common in women and young people. How to Beat the Winter Blues You can’t change the season, but you can help beat the winter blues. Here are three practical tips to help you through the colder months: Go outdoors and soak up some sun: Being outdoors when the sun is out can increase your body’s natural production of vitamin D. Plus, it can improve your immune function, thanks to the substances called phytoncides that the plants release into the air. Spend time with friends and family: The urge to stay home and wrap yourself in blankets may be strong during the winter, but resist the temptation to isolate. Social connection is important for your mental health. Make plans to meet friends for coffee or organize a little get-together with your loved ones. Engage in physical activity: The air can sting in the winter, so you may feel reluctant to engage in physical activity. However, various studies have shown that regular movement is linked to lower risks of depression, so try walking to the library instead of driving or running in the morning before class. If the season hits you harder than you’re comfortable with, speaking to a mental health professional can be helpful. Sometimes, you just need the right tools to manage the seasonal change so the cold months feel less overwhelming. You Don’t Have to Face Seasonal Changes Alone The transition between seasons can be difficult, but it’s normal. You can support yourself through it by understanding how the changes affect you and taking small steps that make the colder months feel lighter. Remember — there’s no shame in reaching out to the people you love or getting professional help.

January 1, 2026 — Welcome to 2026! It’s January 1st, and we are officially calling it: this is the year of collective care. If there’s one thing we learned last year, it’s that we’re stronger when we share our stories. That’s why we’re starting the year with a reminder that healing doesn't happen in isolation; it happens when we show up for one another. To put this into practice, we looked to our community. We know that facing a new year can sometimes feel overwhelming, so we wanted to lean on our network for inspiration as we manifest what we want to center and release what no longer serves us in the New Year. From our national staff to our incredible student network, we’ve gathered the 'Ins' we are embracing and the 'Outs' we are officially leaving behind in 2025 to help inspire your own intention setting for 2026. From protecting our peace to finding our voice, here are the intentions we are embracing together.

December 23, 2025 — Your 20s are basically a bridge between every version of yourself you’ve outgrown and the person you’re still building. There’s this unique nostalgia for the present that comes along with the realization that you’re currently living through the years you’ll tell stories about forever. It’s a decade of leaning into every experience: saying yes to the move, the coffee date with your future best friend, and the messy process of growing up. Sometimes, that means hitting mental health barriers that feel like a dead end, whether it’s the cost of care or the stigma that makes you feel like you’re alone in your struggles. But it often ends up being the time you discover you're a lot more resilient than you gave yourself credit for. In your 20s, you start to see that making a difference begins right where you are, with showing up for your own mental health and the people in your circle. In your 20s, you may feel the pull to show up for mental health. It’s important that you do. Here is how you can meet the moment: In your 20s, you’ll learn that checking in is the ultimate way to show up. When a friend's vibe shifts, it’s easy to assume they’re just busy or tired. But being a champion for change means looking closer. Look past the “I’m okay”: Watch for the subtle stuff — a friend who stops replying to the group chat, someone who is suddenly way more irritable than usual, or a peer who seems to be checked out of the things they used to love. Navigate the conversation with A.S.K.: You can’t always fully understand or change what someone else is going through, but you can Acknowledge their feelings, Support by listening, and Keep-in-Touch regularly to let them know how much you care. Visit asktohelp.com to dive in and start putting A.S.K. into action! In your 20s, you’ll realize your phone is a tool, not a trap. We live on social media, but we don’t owe the internet our constant attention. The "in your 20s" trend is fun, but doomscrolling isn't. Don’t let the algorithm win: Use screen time limits to keep your doomscrolling in check and use your time offline to redirect your focus — try journaling, a quick walk, some gentle stretches, or letting yourself get lost in the music for a few minutes to get your energy flowing again. In your 20s, you’ll find that rest is a transformative act. Poor sleep makes stress feel like a mountain and anxiety feel like a flood. Protecting your rest helps prevent burnout and keeps your energy high enough to lead the change you want to see. Give your brain a break to unplug: Your sleep is important. Try to put your phone down 30 minutes before bed. That late-night blue light actually blocks the hormones your body needs to feel tired, so giving yourself a break from the screen is the easiest way to ensure you're getting the deep rest you need to wake up ready to meet the moment. Keep some tools in your back pocket: Self-care doesn't have to be a huge undertaking. It can be taking a moment to circle breathe or use the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique (name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch, 3 you hear, 2 you smell, and 1 you taste) to pull yourself back into the present when things feel overwhelming. In your 20s, you’ll learn that you don't have to be an expert to be a lifeline. Championing mental health doesn't mean you need to have all the answers; it means knowing when a situation is too heavy to carry alone and being brave enough to call for backup. You can't solve everything on your own, and you don't have to: If a struggle starts to feel like a crisis, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Resources like 988, The Trevor Project, or local helplines can save a life. For more information on where to get help, visit our Crisis Resource Center for additional ways to connect with life-saving support.

December 15, 2025 — Meet the Cumberland County High School Active Minds Chapter, a group in Crossville, TN, committed to showing their peers that "it’s okay not to be okay." With a goal to provide a safety net for their 1,000 students, they recently launched the "You’ve Been Bloomed" initiative, using carnations to visualize support and spark connection across campus. From their first meeting with over 100 attendees to their monthly movie nights, check out how this chapter is ensuring no one has to face their battles alone. Tell us about your school & chapter Our school is Cumberland County High School and we are located in Crossville, TN. We have roughly 1,000 students on campus and our school is big on traditions and community, but at the same time deals with a lot of mental health needs. We have 2 main goals: 1. To provide a safety net for our peers so that no matter what they are facing, they know that we will be here to help them. 2. Show everyone that it's ok to not be ok and break the shame that clouds over mental health needs. Share something your chapter has done recently that you're proud of! A few weeks back, we purchased over 100 carnations as a club and attached a note to them that said, "You've Been Bloomed! - The CCHS Active Minds Chapter wanted to let you know that you are loved!" At our morning meeting, we discussed how much weight people carry and hide behind a smile every day. We talked about the youth depression and suicide rates and how 1 in 10 teens have seriously thought about or attempted to end their lives and then we counted out groups of 10 so they could put a visual representation to that statistic. They were all tasked to take a carnation and hand it to a stranger, a friend, an adult, or anyone that crossed their path that day who looked like they could use a smile. It was absolutely amazing to see the flowers pass from person to person as the school day played out. Some kept their flower because they were the person who needed it, and they took a 2nd one to hand out. Some took several because they had friends who were battling things at home, some still walk around with the note attached to their backpacks or taped to their Chromebooks, and all of them were excited to go and share some kindness. 'Aaron Daenell — Active Minds & FBLA Advisor' Do you have a favorite chapter memory? "I loved giving flowers to help people not feel alone." Anthony — Member' "My favorites are the movie nights we have together every month!" 'Othniel — Member' "My favorite so far was our 1st meeting of the year when over 100 kids showed up and wanted help others." 'Aaron Daenell — Active Minds & FBLA Advisor' What’s a mental health mantra or a short piece of advice your chapter lives by? Behind every strong person is a story that gave them no choice, and one day that story will be a survival guide for someone else. 'Aaron Daenell — Active Minds & FBLA Advisor'

December 10, 2025 — As the days grow shorter and the weather turns colder, many of us may begin to experience low energy, difficulty concentrating, withdrawal from hobbies or social activities, excessive sleeping, feelings of isolation, and depression. This time of year can be challenging, so let’s make sure we’re taking gentle care of ourselves and of one another. We’re providing some tips to support your own well-being and foster connection within your chapter this winter.  The experiences described above could be Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). If you think you might have SAD, please reach out to your local or school mental health resources for support. A Few Simple Ways To Support Your Well-Being Step outside: Soak in natural daylight whenever possible. Keep a cozy routine: Consistent sleep and small comforts go a long way. Stay connected: Reach out to friends, family, or your Active Minds chapter.  Stay physically active: Even a few stretches or a short walk can lift your spirits. Ask for support: If things start to feel overwhelming, reach out to others for support.  Chapter Gathering Ideas To Boost Your Chapter's Mood DIY Hot Cocoa Party: Make your own cocoa with fun toppings like marshmallows, cinnamon, or chocolate chips while fostering connection. Movie Time: Cozy up and watch a feel-good movie that can bring laughter and joy. Games & Puzzles Together: Enjoy card games, board games, or puzzles in a relaxed, friendly space. Crafting Hour: Spend time coloring, collaging, knitting, etc, during a free period or after school in a calm, welcoming space Fresh Air Walks: Enjoy daylight and stretch your legs with friends on a short group walk If you or someone you know needs extra support, explore links to crisis support and national resources on our website. Thank you for bringing connection and care to your campus communities. Your efforts make a difference, especially during times when so many of us need warmth and support.

December 8, 2025 — When Alison Malmon founded Active Minds in 2003, she initiated a ripple effect of change that continues to expand over two decades later. By using her voice to break the silence surrounding mental health, she created a space where thousands of students could eventually find their own footing, find their community, and find their power to mobilize around mental health. My story is just one example of that ripple effect in action, turning a moment of personal need into a lifelong purpose of leading the mental health movement. My Journey From Mental Health Advocate to Mental Health Professional My advocacy journey truly began in my freshman year of college. I come from a background where mental health was stigmatized and rarely discussed. But the independence of college offered me the autonomy to explore what I was feeling and address my mental health. As I navigated my own struggles, I realized two things: culturally competent care was hard to find, and there were absolutely no student organizations dedicated to mental health on my campus. Rather than discouraging me, these gaps fueled a desire not only to understand my own needs but also to create that space for others. This was the start of my transition to becoming informed — realizing I had the control to educate myself and the passion to ensure no one else had to face those barriers alone. That awareness transformed into action during my sophomore year when I discovered an emerging Active Minds Chapter on my campus. I was scared, but I worked up the courage to speak with the organizers and get involved, and that choice launched me into mental health mobilization work that defined my college experience. Before I knew it, my engagement deepened as I became a member of my chapter’s executive team, later becoming President, where I realized the true impact of our work. We built such a strong reputation as a safe space that other student organizations, including Greek life, started coming to us to collaborate. That was the moment I realized I had become a mental health champion, and that our advocacy was reshaping the culture on my campus and in my community. Today, I have moved from a student leader to a mental health professional. In my full-time role at a mental health nonprofit, I now have the privilege of supporting young mental health advocates through programming that guides students through their own mobilization journeys. My work is no longer centered on my own advocacy, but on building the infrastructure for others to find theirs. Just as Active Minds created a space that allowed me to grow, I now work every day to create those same spaces for the next generation of mental health advocates. By giving the students we support today the resources and confidence to become the changemakers of tomorrow, we are sustaining a movement much bigger than any of our individual efforts.  Want To Take the Next Step on Your Mental Health Advocacy Journey? You don’t have to be an expert to make a difference — you just have to be brave enough to start. Check out three ways you can get involved with Active Minds: Create a safe space for your peers to discuss mental health by starting an Active Minds chapter at your school. Apply for programs like the Mental Health Advocacy Academy and the Active Minds Institute and implement a mental health project in your community. Sign up for our newsletter to get the latest webinars, engagement opportunities, and mental health resources sent directly to your inbox.

December 6, 2025 — It’s 2 a.m., your eyes are burning from staring at your laptop, and you're running on your second energy drink. The project still isn't done, and it feels like your brain is barely hanging on. If you’ve ever had a night like that, you’re not alone. Burnout is something many students experience, and it's not just about being tired. It's the kind of exhaustion that creeps in slowly and makes everything feel harder to do than it should be. I’ve been there too, and I want to talk about what it is, how to spot it, and what you can actually do to feel better. What Burnout Really Feels Like Burnout goes way beyond just being sleepy after a late night. It’s physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion, all mixed together. According to the Mayo Clinic, burnout can show up in different ways, such as: Feeling tired all the time, even after a full night of sleep Feeling stressed, stuck, or disconnected Struggling to stay motivated, even doing things you usually enjoy Not performing well in school, even when you try Being short with people or just wanting to be alone For many students, burnout can often come from trying to juggle too much. Between classes, extracurriculars, sports, jobs, and trying to have a social life, it can feel like there's never enough time or energy. My Burnout Story During my sophomore year, I said yes to everything. I was in clubs, competitions, honor societies, and constantly studying. I told myself that being busy was good, that I was being productive. But after a few months, I started waking up every day feeling completely drained. I wasn’t excited about the things I used to love. I kept pushing through, thinking it would pass. It didn’t. Eventually, I reached a point where even small things like answering emails or doing homework felt overwhelming. That’s when I realized this wasn’t just stress. It was burnout. What Helped Me Manage It Burnout doesn’t go away overnight, but there are things that can help you get back on track.  Here’s what worked for me: 1. I started saying no This was hard at first, but I had to remind myself that doing less doesn't mean I'm doing worse. I dropped one activity and didn’t feel guilty about it. 2. I set boundaries I stopped doing homework past a certain time and made sure to take short breaks while studying. It made my time more focused and gave myself space to relax. 3. I reached out Talking to someone made a huge difference. Whether it's a parent, friend, counselor, or teacher, just saying “I’m not okay” took some of the weight off. 4. I made time for things I enjoy I started going to the gym again, playing tennis, and watching shows without feeling guilty. These little things helped me feel recharged. 5. I learned more about what was going on Learning more about burnout helped me to overcome my own experiences with it. You can check out articles like this one from Oxford Learning for tips on preventing burnout in high school. It’s helpful for high school students — and even for parents — trying to understand what’s going on. How You Can Catch Burnout Early The best way to address burnout is to catch it before it gets harder to manage. Keep an eye out for signs like constant tiredness, low motivation, or just not feeling like yourself. The APA’s research shows that teens are feeling more stress than ever, and ignoring it doesn’t make it go away. Burnout doesn't mean you're lazy or failing. It means your body and mind are asking for a break. School should be a challenge, but it shouldn’t leave you feeling miserable every day. You don’t have to be in survival mode all the time. Take a deep breath. Step back when you need to. And remember that your mental health matters just as much as your grades.

December 2, 2025 — As the days shorten and the weather grows cooler, we're taking a moment to introduce our Fall 2025 interns! They've been hard at work, and to help us all combat the darker days, they shared their secrets for finding comfort and balance. Read our Fall 2025 interns Q&A to discover our interns’ favorite cozy rituals, the easiest things they do for self-care, and what they are most thankful for this year.

November 22, 2025 — There is a difference between a father and a dad. A father is your biological parent, whereas a dad is somebody who actually provides support and raises you.  I never really knew my father, and until I was 14 years old, I never had a dad, either. In 2018, my mother started dating somebody who would leave a lasting impact on my life. This was the first time that I remembered ever living with a man and having a father figure, even if he wasn’t my ‘real’ dad. Even though he and my mom never married, I still consider him my stepfather because he was the closest I have ever come to having a dad. He taught me that I wasn’t unlovable, and he stepped up to be somebody that I never knew how much I needed until I lost him. In 2019, my stepfather died by suicide. My support system and community are, undoubtedly, the only things that got me through my grief. I remember being at his funeral and getting that burning feeling in my throat from holding back my tears. I didn’t think I deserved to grieve him. He wasn’t my father, and I wasn’t his kid. There were other people closer to him who were grieving him, so it felt selfish to take that away from them. Grief is complicated.  It’s been six years since my stepfather passed, and this is my first time really talking about him with anyone who isn't in my family. Every day, I grieve him in my own ways. I show up for myself since he is no longer able to. Even though my community is small, it is strong. My whole family grieved my stepfather together, and there was never a moment when I didn’t have them standing by my side. My friends may not be able to understand my grief, but they still show up and support me unconditionally. While I am strong, I’m not sure how I would have been able to get through this period of my life without my community. They’ve helped me learn that it’s okay to grieve him. It’s okay to be sad or to be angry or to be confused. They helped me realize that blood isn’t the only type of family, and that although Joe wasn’t blood, he was family.  It’s Strong to Ask for Help No one deserves to feel alone in their grief. If you are reading this and struggling to carry the weight of your loss, please know that your courage lies in reaching out. This International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, let's honor our loved ones by creating a world where mental health struggles and grieving are met with open arms. You are a survivor. You are strong. You do not have to walk this path alone. Remember, it’s okay to ask for help and lean on somebody. You can find support within your family, friends, community, teachers, and even strangers. There are resources like grief counseling, support groups, and crisis help lines available to support you. If you are in need of immediate crisis support, consider reaching out to the following dedicated organizations: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call 988 or Text BRAVE to 741-741 Trevor Project: Call 866-488-7386 or Text START to 678-678