General

February 23, 2026 — Black History Month was my favorite time of the school year. For more than a decade on the South Side of Chicago, I lived my life by a school calendar, first as a teacher, then as a principal. Every day brought something real: joy and grief, brilliance and burden, laughter and loss. And every February, something shifted in the building. The air felt different. The students felt taller. As a principal, I started each day with my students in Morning Meeting — a whole-school moment to set our intention before the day tried to set it for us. And in February, we began with a chant, in unison: "My history is Black history. And one day I’ll make history." I can’t fully describe the pride I felt as a Black man in those moments or how hopeful I was for the future generations packed into that breakfast room. The chant wasn’t just a mantra. It was a declaration. A reminder that our children come from something, that they are something, and that they were never meant to be invisible. Black History is as Old as American History Black History Month matters because Black history isn’t a side chapter in the American story, it’s a foundation.  And in 2026, we’re also marking a century since historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson launched Negro History Week: an intentional act to preserve and uplift Black life and Black achievement in a country that routinely erased them. That week planted the seeds for what became Black History Month, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford formally recognized the national observance. A hundred years later, we should be honest about what that means: Woodson’s work is still necessary. Black history is still being written, and the gaps between progress and reality are still wide enough to hurt. In just the past 100 years, we’ve witnessed history as the United States elected its first Black president. And yet, as of February 2026, no Black woman has ever served as a U.S. governor. We celebrated the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court — Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson — sworn in 2022. And still, it was only 169 years ago that the Supreme Court infamously ruled in Dred Scott that Black people were not U.S. citizens and had no standing to claim protections in federal court.  That contrast is the point.  Black History Month is not only about what we’ve survived. It’s about how we keep naming the truth, even when the truth makes the country uncomfortable.  In Present Day America, Remembering Is Resistance Here’s the reality: we are living in a time when teaching honest history is being challenged in new and organized ways, with policies of intimidation aimed at educators and institutions.  That matters for everyone, but it hits differently when you’re Black, because erasure is not theoretical. It is historical. It is strategic. And it is exhausting.  So yes, Black History Month is still important, not because we need a single month to prove our worth, but because the fight to keep our stories visible continues in real time. And that’s also why I believe learning Black history can be more than education. Learning Black History Is a Form of Mental Health Care There’s a powerful truth I’ve seen in schools and in community spaces: when people know where they come from, they stand differently. Engaging with Black history can give us a sense of belonging, a connection to elders, ancestors, thinkers, builders, and everyday people who made a way out of no way. It can remind us we are not alone. It can buffer us against a world that too often refuses to see our full humanity. And Black communities have always understood care as something we build together — especially when systems fail to center our wellbeing. That’s why our healing has lived not only in clinics, but in barbershops and salons, in music, in church basements, in front porches, in food, in ritual, in laughter. Even rest has a history here. Long before “self-care” became a trend, Black thinkers taught us that caring for ourselves is not indulgence, it’s survival. It’s preservation.  A Call to Action: Beyond February If you’re Black, I want to say this plainly: Keep learning about Black history to equip yourself. 
Equip your spirit. Your language. Your sense of self. Your ability to recognize what’s happening around you. Equip your joy, too. Because understanding Black history is not just about the past. It’s a way to better understand the full perspective of American history and to care for yourself and others in the present. Back in that breakfast room, when my students said, “One day I’ll make history,” they weren’t talking about fame. They were talking about the possibility. Black History Month is a reminder that possibility is not imaginary; it’s inherent. And it’s also something we owe to each other. So let’s honor Carter G. Woodson’s legacy the way he intended: not with a single celebration, but with sustained commitment. Learn. Remember. Tell the truth. Care for yourself. Care for each other.  Get Involved Ever thought about how your mental health journey could be the blueprint someone else needs? Tell your story on our blog and show the world what mental health mobilization looks like today. Find out how to submit your story on our website.

February 22, 2026 — We are proud to introduce the Alumni Board, a group of former chapter leaders dedicated to supporting young adults as they transition into the professional world. These changemakers haven't stopped their mental health advocacy work just because they’ve entered the workforce — they are continuing their involvement with Active Minds as they build their careers. With backgrounds ranging from social workers to HR professionals, these members are helping to guide Active Minds’ workforce development resources so that every student has the resources to transition their campus activism to every part of their post-graduation life. Meet the Alumni Board to see how these leaders are continuing their journey with mental health advocacy and Active Minds.

February 20, 2026 — This month, our Chapter of the Month highlights the incredible momentum at Rivier University. In just their first year on campus, these students have bridged the gap between the playing field and mental health. Through their leadership, they're teaching everyone that mental wellness is the true foundation of every student’s success. From their creative pumpkin smashing stress-relief event to hosting sports psychology seminars, they’ve sparked honest mental health conversations across the entire student body. Rivier is living proof that you don’t need a long history to make a massive impact — just the courage to begin. Discover how they’re changing the game through our Q&A. Tell us about your school and chapter. Rivier University is a small, close-knit campus in New Hampshire with a strong student athlete community. The Kyle Cares Active Minds Chapter was started last fall to promote mental health awareness at Rivier in an energetic, creative, and inclusive way. Share something your chapter has done recently that you are proud of. We hosted Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, a sports psychologist who works with the New England Patriots and Red Sox, to speak to our athletes. Around 150 athletes attended, making it one of the largest mental health programs for student athletes at Rivier. Why is mental health important to your chapter and school? Mental health is important to our chapter because it affects academic success, athletic performance, and personal well-being. We want Rivier students to understand that caring for their minds is just as important as caring for their bodies. How is your chapter making a difference on campus? Our chapter is making a difference by thinking outside the box and reaching students who might not attend traditional mental health events. Through creative programs like rage room pumpkin smashing and large presentations, we are reducing stigma and starting honest conversations. What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining or starting a chapter? You will never regret trying to make positive change. Start small, stay consistent, and focus on what your campus cares about. There is nothing more rewarding than helping your peers feel supported. What is a mental health mantra your chapter lives by? Any effort to create positive change helps tip the scales. We believe that making a difference does not require perfection, only the courage to begin.

February 9, 2026 — February is often called the month of love, but it is also nationally recognized as Black History Month. It is a time to reflect on moments of pride, like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech, as well as the ongoing harm Black communities continue to face. One of those spaces is healthcare, a system where "care" often feels like a misnomer. For many Black patients, cold white walls aren't just unwelcoming; they are reminders of a system that frequently fails to see our full humanity. These experiences are not just history — they are happening now. A big contributor to these disparities is the lack of Black healthcare providers. While Black people make up about 13% of the U.S. population, only about 5% of physicians and a staggering 4% of psychologists identify as Black. This representation gap creates a massive barrier to access. When we do seek help, we are often met by providers who do not share our lived experiences, allowing unconscious bias to reinforce harmful misconceptions, including the false belief that Black people experience less pain. To be clear: this is a myth — and a very dangerous one. There are several other myths that have long shaped healthcare experiences for Black patients, including: The belief that Black people have thicker skin The belief that Black people have less sensitive nerve endings The belief that Black people’s blood coagulates (changes) faster The belief that Black individuals are more capable of handling trauma without professional mental health intervention All of these claims are false. Yet despite efforts to educate newer generations of healthcare professionals, the damage caused by these myths has already been deeply rooted in medical systems. Because of these misconceptions, Black patients often face: Racial bias in medical decision-making Harmful characterizations of their tone and behavior as aggressive Reduced access to appropriate pain management Providers overlooking or minimizing pain Underestimation of the severity of medical conditions These outcomes are not accidental. They are the result of systemic bias that continues to affect patient care. As a student pursuing medicine, I have witnessed the impact of these myths firsthand in clinical observations. Hospitals are places where I feel hope and excitement, but many Black patients experience something very different. Instead of comfort, they carry feelings of distrust, fear, and disappointment. These emotions are shaped by repeated experiences of being unheard or dismissed. Because of this history, many Black patients: Feel uncomfortable fully disclosing symptoms, in part out of fear of being labeled unstable Avoid seeking care due to fear of bias Worry they will not be taken seriously Face stigma surrounding mental health treatment These obstacles overlap and reinforce one another, creating a cycle that discourages care and worsens outcomes. Personally, I am fortunate to have access to Black medical professionals in my community, access that has made a difference in how safe and supported I feel in healthcare spaces. That access is the difference between feeling "seen" and feeling "processed." However, this is not the reality for everyone, which is why speaking openly about Black experiences in healthcare is one of the most important steps toward change. The gradual increase in the number of Black providers offers hope for the future. One day, healthcare will reflect teams of providers from many backgrounds, not just white coats on white faces. Until then, community care reminds Black patients that they are worthy of equal treatment. This Black History Month, don't just look back — help write the next chapter. If you’ve felt unheard in the exam room or dismissed by a counselor, know that your experience is real and the treatment you received is not okay. When we share our stories and support one another in finding culturally competent care, we create a ripple effect that challenges systemic bias. By reclaiming the narrative around Black bodies and creating safe spaces where we are truly heard, we move closer to a healthcare system rooted in dignity and equity. Did you know that you can share your story on the Active Minds blog? Visit our website to learn more — your words could be exactly what someone needs to hear.

January 28, 2026 — The 2026 Emerging Scholars Fellowship is finally here and we are so excited for the change they are making! Supported by the Scattergood Foundation and Macy’s, this program mobilizes students to dismantle mental health disparities in BIPOC communities. The Emerging Scholars Fellowship provides funding, mentorship, and a supportive scholar network to student researchers to complete independent mental health projects and take action on any recommended findings. Get to know the 2026 Emerging Scholars and explore the perspectives they’re bringing to their work. Read through these introductions to meet the students and learn about the research projects they are leading to drive change in their communities.

January 23, 2026 — The Challenge On July 5th, starting at midnight, I began running four miles every four hours for 48 hours straight. It’s called the 4x4x48 challenge — a test of endurance well-known in the ultrarunning world. To support the event, I invited friends, family, and neighbors to join me — some ran a few laps, others walked and cheered from the sidewalk, and many gathered in front of my house to hang out, encourage one another, and keep the energy going throughout the 48 hours. Why was I doing this? Why put myself through so much? Because mental health matters.  Why I Choose to Support Active Minds Since starting ultrarunning in early 2023, I’ve spent countless hours and thousands of miles on trails. The biggest lesson I’ve learned? The mind is far more powerful than we realize.  This challenge wasn’t just about me. It was about all of us. The challenge created a space where people could run (or walk, or simply show up) for something bigger than themselves. Friends reconnected, neighbors bonded, and new faces brought fresh energy. In the end, the encouragement and support we gave each other mattered more than the miles themselves.  That’s why I partnered with Active Minds to complete this challenge. Active Minds’ mission aligns perfectly with my personal beliefs: break down stigma, spark conversation, and remind people they’re not alone. Focusing on improving the mental wellness of students and young adults through community support What I Learned About a week after the challenge, a neighbor asked me:  “At what point was it the hardest?”  At first, I thought it had to be the end — those final runs when I was completely exhausted and sleep-deprived. But after a moment of reflection, I realized the hardest moment wasn’t the end. It was the beginning.  At midnight on July 5th, I stepped outside alone into the cold, dark night. I had no idea how I would feel in the hours ahead. I didn’t know if people would support my effort — or if anyone would even show up. I was 48 miles from the “finish line” and completely uncertain about how the weekend would unfold. Yes, starting with those thoughts was the hardest part.  Then something incredible happened. After that first lonely run, people began to show up. First two. Then five. By the end, we had a consistent 10+ people joining, cheering, and running beside me.  As the challenge went on, and the support around me grew, the weight of the effort somehow got lighter. New faces brought new energy. Laughter, conversations, and encouragement distracted me from the pain I felt in my feet. What started as a personal test of endurance turned into something much more powerful: a shared experience of resilience, community, and care.  I finished the final leg not just with pride in what I had done, but with a deep sense of gratitude for the people who showed up — and for the reminder that we’re never truly alone in what we’re going through.   Taking Your First Step One of the most powerful things this challenge reinforced for me is that community doesn’t just help us get through hard things — it helps us move important missions forward. When we join together around mental health, we expand what’s possible. And with organizations like Active Minds, there are so many meaningful ways to take part. You can raise money to fuel mental health education and peer-to-peer support. You can start an Active Minds chapter at your school or encourage your community to create safe spaces for conversation and connection. You can mobilize the people around you — friends, coworkers, neighbors — to take mental health seriously and show up for one another. No matter how you participate, it all begins with one simple step: choosing to act. Choosing to care. Choosing to be part of something bigger than yourself. That first step creates momentum, and momentum creates change. Often, mental health challenges don’t always have a clear finish line. Like the 4x4x48, they require persistence, vulnerability, and support. We often move forward with uncertainty — not knowing where we’re headed, how we’ll feel, or what obstacles we’ll face. But we keep going anyway. If you’re feeling inspired to take your own first step, explore how you can support Active Minds and make a real impact. 

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.