General

May 12, 2026 — So you want to come to Active Minds Hill Day + Mental Health Conference 2026? That is amazing! Whether you're a first-time attendee or a returning advocate, the experience of being surrounded by hundreds of young people who care deeply about mental health is genuinely unlike anything else. However, we do recognize that a possible hurdle, especially as a student on budget, is having the financial resources to attend. The good news is that there are funding possibilities available to you that may not be on your radar. Here are four ideas for finding the resources needed to make the trip happen: 2. Tap Your School's Student Activity Fund Here's something a lot of students don't realize - your tuition might already include a student activity or co-curricular fee. That money goes into a fund specifically designed to support student development, including attending conferences. Most schools have a formal process for requesting these funds, often through a student government office or dean of students. You'll typically need to submit a short proposal explaining what the conference is, what you'll learn, and how it connects to your campus community. The Active Minds Hill Day + Mental Health Conference checks every one of those boxes. Start early, since these requests often have deadlines and review periods. 3. Ask Your Academic Department Your major department likely has a student development or professional development budget  and attending a nationally recognized conference absolutely qualifies. Reach out to your department chair, academic advisor, or a faculty member you're close with. Frame it around how the conference connects to your field of study, whether that's psychology, public health, social work, education, or really any major that intersects with student wellbeing. You don't need to have it all figured out. A simple, genuine email asking about available funding goes a long way. 4. Connect With Your Campus Active Minds Chapter or Wellbeing Club If your campus has an Active Minds chapter, this is your first call. Campus organizations receive institutional funding, and many use it specifically to support members in attending conferences related to their mission. If there's no Active Minds chapter, reach out to any mental health, wellness, or advocacy club on your campus as the overlap is strong, and they may be able to sponsor your registration or co-fund your travel. This is also a great way to build relationships before you arrive and potentially coordinate a group trip (which comes with a 20% group registration discount for five or more people). 5. Look Into Crowdfunding and Community Support Don't underestimate the people around you. Platforms like GoFundMe make it easy to share your story and raise money from friends, family, and your broader community. If you explain why you're going and your passion for mental health advocacy, what you hope to bring back to your campus or community, people often want to help. You can also reach out to local businesses, community organizations, or mental health nonprofits in your area that might sponsor a student attendee. A brief, heartfelt pitch about your advocacy work and the impact of attending can open more doors than you would expect. Funding a conference trip takes a little effort and some planning, but the resources are out there. The Active Minds Hill Day + Mental Health Conference 2026 is worth it and we hope to see you there. To learn more about the Active Minds Hill Day + Mental Health Conference 2026, visit activeminds.org/conference.

May 12, 2026 — I still remember how uncomfortable silence used to feel whenever mental health came up around me, especially after losing someone I loved to suicide, because even when people cared, there was this strange hesitation in conversations where everybody seemed afraid of saying the wrong thing and so instead they said almost nothing at all. I carried that silence for a long time. A lot of my early understanding of mental health was shaped by watching people continue functioning through grief without ever really discussing what grief was doing to them privately, and I think because of that, I became very good at acting emotionally “fine” in ways that looked convincing from the outside. I knew how to keep showing up to school, work, meetings, community events, and responsibilities even when internally everything felt disconnected and heavy, and for a while I genuinely thought that was what strength was supposed to look like. Looking back now, I think I spent years trying to make difficult experiences appear smaller so other people would feel more comfortable around them. Even writing this now, I still catch myself wanting to soften certain details before saying them directly. Some habits stay in your body longer than you expect them to. Mental Health Awareness Month feels different to me now because I have seen what happens when people stop editing themselves quite so heavily around each other. Over the last few years, especially through community health work, advocacy spaces, and student conversations, I have watched people slowly become more willing to say things out loud that they used to keep hidden behind jokes, overworking, isolation, or constant busyness. I have sat with students making therapy bags while somebody quietly admitted they had not been okay for months. I have had conversations outside campus buildings at night where someone suddenly shares something deeply personal and then immediately changes the subject because vulnerability still feels unfamiliar to them. I have watched people pause mid-sentence like they are deciding in real time whether they are allowed to tell the truth. Those moments stay with me more than any polished campaign language ever does because they feel human in a very specific way. Not inspirational. Not perfectly resolved. Just honest for a second. I think losing someone changed the way I listen to other people too. Before, I often approached conversations thinking I needed to have the “right” response ready, something comforting or useful or carefully worded, but grief taught me that people usually remember presence more than perfection. Sometimes what stays with somebody is not advice, it is simply the fact that another person did not immediately pull away from their pain or rush to make it easier to digest. That realization changed me slowly. I became more honest about my own mental health. I became less interested in appearing endlessly capable all the time. There are still moments where I struggle with vulnerability, especially because being “the supportive person” can quietly become its own role that feels difficult to step outside of, but I no longer feel the same pressure to package every painful experience into something motivational before I am allowed to speak about it. Some experiences do not become neat lessons. Some things just change you permanently and then life continues around that fact. A few things I keep thinking about this Mental Health Awareness Month: people are often carrying much more than what is visible in public there is a difference between somebody hearing your story and somebody making you feel safe enough to tell it emotional exhaustion can hide itself inside productivity for a very long time some of the most important conversations happen after events technically end, when people linger instead of leaving healing can look extremely ordinary sometimes (eating something, replying to a message, sitting outside for ten quiet minutes because your room suddenly feels too small) I have become gentler with myself than I used to be, although honestly, I am still learning how to do that consistently When I think about the power of our story now, I do not think about perfectly written narratives or inspirational speeches. I think about the smaller moments that change the feeling of a room almost invisibly. Somebody said ‘me too’ very quietly. Somebody admitting they are tired in a way sleep cannot fix. Somebody finally using words for something they have carried silently for years. Those moments matter to me because they remind people that they are not strange for struggling and they are not failing for being overwhelmed. I think stories become powerful the moment another person recognizes themselves inside them (even briefly) because once honesty enters a room people tend to breathe differently afterwards. (: 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.

April 27, 2026 — Loss has a way of reshaping not only how we see the world, but also how we choose to move through it. During my freshman year of college, a friend died by suicide, an experience that fundamentally altered my sense of purpose. As co-captains on the basketball team, she taught me how to advocate for others and lead with purpose. Grieving her loss, I simultaneously felt a profound need to aid and prevent others from experiencing similar tragic losses. This became the foundation of my commitment to mental health advocacy. In the time that followed, I sought out ways to turn that commitment into action. I joined my university’s counseling services outreach program, where I worked to connect students with mental health resources and decrease stigma surrounding mental health. The next year, through the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute, I expanded my involvement to a broader level, engaging in initiatives that addressed both access and policy. Through these experiences, I learned that advocacy often begins with small, intentional steps. Mental health is still surrounded by stigma, and many individuals struggle in silence. I came to understand that simply asking someone how they are really doing can be powerful. Creating spaces where people feel seen and heard is not always easy, but it is essential. One of the most meaningful aspects of my time with the Institute has been updating the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline on student mobile IDs, increasing access for 194,000 students. Being part of an initiative that resulted in a tangible, lasting impact showed me that advocacy can extend beyond conversation and into real systemic change. My work in outreach also revealed how barriers such as lack of awareness, fear of judgment, and limited access to care prevent many students from seeking help. These experiences reinforced my belief that education and accessibility are key components of prevention. At the same time, my involvement in national advocacy efforts highlighted the importance of addressing structural issues, including cost, provider shortages, and cultural stigma. Advocacy is not a separate part of my life; it has become the lens through which I approach everything I do. It shapes how I interact with others, how I respond to challenges, and how I define meaningful impact. My friend’s legacy continues to guide me, reminding me why this work matters. If you are considering getting involved in mental health advocacy, start where you are. You do not need to have all the answers to make a difference. What matters is your willingness to listen, to learn, and to act. Your voice has the power to create change. 🩷💚 Apply to this cycle of the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute by May 25, 2026, for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year!

April 27, 2026 — Young people are defined by change; the first 25 years of a person's life are hallmarked by moving grades, starting different schools, learning what you like, realizing what you don’t, and experiencing the world, all while growing into yourself. Change is hard, and making change can be harder, but who is more qualified to do it than dedicated youth and young adults? When mobilizing for mental health, it’s young people at the forefront of the movement; they are the visionaries behind a kinder, more empathetic world where resources are available, and stigma has been dismantled. How can we help young people turn their ideas into action? Active Minds created the Mental Health Advocacy Institute with the purpose of supporting college students in practically implementing their big ideas when it comes to mental health on their campuses. This is a paid, year-long virtual mental health advocacy program for 70 students from colleges and universities across the country, under the guidance of Active Minds and the direction of an on-campus steering committee. The Fall is focused on using evidence-based strategy to formalize an action plan that addresses a mental health issue facing their campus, and the Spring is for implementation. Challenges facing campuses can include a lack of existing resources, and underutilization of resources, disparities, academic pressure, loneliness, and more. Active Minds connects students with strategies that are proven to be effective, from peer education to skills training interventions for stress management. With the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute, you can start creating change. Apply to this cycle of the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Institute by May 25, 2026, for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year! Eligibility Requirements Between 18-25 years of age Currently enrolled at a U.S. college or university and located within the United States Graduating no sooner than May 2027 Not studying abroad from September – December or from February – April during the program Have been enrolled at their current institution for at least one full academic year

April 9, 2026 — Finals week can feel like everything hitting at once. Multiple exams, large amounts of material, and pressure to perform can quickly become overwhelming. When stress builds, it becomes harder to focus, easier to procrastinate, and tempting to push mental health aside. What helps most is not a perfect routine; it is having a few simple tools you can use in the moment to stay calm and keep moving forward. Break Studying Into Smaller Targets One of the biggest reasons students feel overwhelmed during finals is that they look at everything they have to do at once. “Study for biology” or “review all of history” feels too large to start. Instead, break your work into smaller, specific targets. For example: Review two chapters Complete ten practice problems Rewrite one set of notes This reduces the mental friction of starting. Once you begin, it is much easier to continue. Breaking work into smaller goals also prevents last-minute cramming, which can be one of the biggest sources of stress during finals. Use a Breathing Reset When Stress Spikes During finals, stress can build quickly, especially when you feel stuck or overwhelmed. In those moments, trying to push through can often make things worse. A simple reset can help. One of the most effective techniques is a breathing method called the cyclic sigh: Take a deep inhale through your nose Immediately take a second short inhale Slowly exhale through your mouth until your lungs are empty This type of breathing helps calm your nervous system and reduce stress in seconds. Research from Stanford found that short, structured breathing practices can significantly reduce anxiety and improve mood, with cyclic sighing showing particularly strong effects. As a co-founder of StayMindful, a mental health app designed for students, I’ve seen similar results. In student testing, after a short guided breathing exercise, over 100 students reported feeling 4 out of 5 calmer on average, from not calm to extremely calm. Study in Focused Rounds, Not Endless Marathons Many students try to study for hours without stopping, especially during finals week. This often leads to burnout and reduced focus. Instead, work in focused rounds. Choose one task, give it your full attention, and then take a short reset. During that break: Stand up Walk around Stretch Do a quick breathing exercise Avoid turning breaks into long periods of scrolling, which can make it harder to return to work. Working in structured rounds allows you to maintain higher focus and get more done in less time.   Protect Your Mood During Finals Week Finals week is not just a test of knowledge; it is also a test of consistency and mindset. When students start to feel discouraged or overwhelmed, it becomes much harder to stay productive. Small positive inputs can make a difference: A short reset A reminder that you are making progress A moment to step back and breathe At StayMindful, we send daily motivational quotes and short mental health content to help students stay consistent with these habits. The goal is not to eliminate stress completely, but to make it manageable so you can keep moving forward. It is also important to remember that your grades do not define your worth. Active Minds emphasizes that students are more than their academic performance, especially during high-pressure times like finals week.

April 9, 2026 — I’ve always loved Solange Knowles. Not just for Cranes In The Sky (though that song plays like gospel when I’m in my feelings), but because of the raw, unfiltered truth she delivers through her music. In Cranes, she sings about trying to drown out pain through every coping mechanism we’re taught to idolize: shopping, working, crying, even changing her hair. She did it all. And still, she felt everything. It wasn’t numbness she was singing about; it was exhaustion. A bone-deep kind of weariness that isn’t necessarily big, but still weighs down your chest. I didn’t expect that to hit me the way it did. But emotional pain? It’s quiet like that. It doesn’t always arrive in sobs or breakdowns. Sometimes, it just lingers. A sort of ineffable type of feeling. And eventually, like Solange, you realize that healing doesn’t come from running. It comes from stopping. From feeling. From rebuilding, piece by piece, breath by breath. That’s what resilience has looked like for me, and trust me, it wasn’t cute. I was born in Washington D.C., but I was raised in Italy, and eventually I moved from Italy to rural Georgia when I was eight. I didn’t know the language. I didn’t understand the culture. And for a long time, I didn’t even recognize the version of myself I had to become to survive. I was the only African boy in a sea of Southern drawls and tight-knit friend groups that spanned years. People laughed at my accent, butchered my name (as if pronouncing Dom-uh-NICK Mim-uh-BANG is the hardest task in the world), and asked me if I was “really American.” I remember reading aloud in class and hearing snickers when I tripped over words. Not because I didn’t know what they meant, but because I had only ever seen them written, never said aloud. I stayed quiet for years. Even after I learned the language, I couldn’t shake the shame that had already dug itself in. That’s the thing about resilience: when it starts forming in silence, it hardens differently. I thought the only way to prove I belonged was to overperform. To show up everywhere—to be louder, better, more prepared, more impressive. I joined every club, led every project, and tried to become undeniable. I ran for leadership in an organization that quite literally shaped who I am today. Not once. Twice. And I lost both times. Not quietly, either. I campaigned at conferences with thousands of attendees and read a speech out to those same attendees. And both times, I had to clap for someone else as the room erupted in applause for them. It was public. It was humbling. And it was painful. But here’s the thing: I kept going in the organization and stayed involved, regardless of whether or not I was on the state board for it. And that’s resilience. Not perfection. Not ever failing. Just... refusing to stay down. So what is emotional resilience, really? According to the American Psychological Association, resilience is “the process and outcome of successfully adapting to difficult or challenging life experiences.” It’s not something that you’re naturally born with; it’s something you build over time (APA, 2022). So if you've ever felt like a mess after a rejection or a failure, guess what? You’re not broken, you're human. Here’s how I started building mine: Feel First, Fix LaterI used to think I had to “bounce back” instantly. Now I know better. Resilience starts with sitting in your feelings. Labeling them. Talking about them. According to the National Institutes of Health, acknowledging emotions and processing them (instead of bottling them up) is linked to better long-term mental health outcomes (NIH, 2021). It’s okay to say, “This really hurts.”That’s not weakness. That’s step one. Build a Soft LandingThere’s a myth that strong people are self-sufficient. That we “tough it out” alone. But Harvard research says otherwise. One supportive relationship—a teacher, a parent, a friend—can be the biggest predictor of a young person’s ability to recover from adversity (Harvard, 2021). My bounce-back crew includes my AP Literature teacher, Miss Davenport, my mom, and my unserious but wise friend Akshaaya. Together, they’ve talked me off more metaphorical cliffs than I can count. Find your people. Let them in. Redefine What "Losing" MeansThose elections I lost? At first, they felt like public proof that I didn’t belong. But eventually, they became reminders that worth isn't tied to a title. I learned how to organize, how to connect with people, and how to speak from the heart without a script. I learned to lead without a title. And weirdly enough, I’ve had more impact from the sidelines than I ever thought possible. Resilience taught me that worth doesn’t come from applause. It comes from the “why” behind the work. Let Humor Heal YouThere’s science to back this up: researchers from the Mayo Clinic say that laughter reduces stress, improves mood, and even strengthens your immune system (Mayo Clinic, 2021). And sometimes? The only thing between you and a breakdown is a well-timed meme. I’ve made Canva powerpoints titled “Why I Shouldn’t Have Trusted the Process” and voice-noted myself mid-cry just to laugh at it later. It works. (Not always. But more often than not, it does.) Resilience isn’t linear. Some days, you feel like you’re floating above it all — like the cranes in Solange’s sky. Other days, you’re stuck in the mud of everything going wrong. But you are still here. And that’s enough. So if you’re in the middle of your own comeback story, I hope you take this as permission to feel everything, rest when you need to, and keep rising: quietly or loudly, slowly or all at once. Your bounce-back era isn’t coming. It’s already in motion. And when you look back, you’ll be proud you didn’t give up.

March 23, 2026 — This month, our Chapter of the Month shines a light on how the Active Minds Louisville High School Chapter is creating a space where mental health conversations are real, open, and stigma-free. Since launching in 2023, the 80-member group has been all about supporting each other, speaking up, and making campus feel a little lighter. Louisville’s Chapter has quickly grown into a vibrant community of almost 100 members dedicated to advocating for student well-being. Rooted in the school’s mission of empowering young women to drive meaningful change, this student-led group is building a more compassionate campus through creative programming, peer support, and a shared commitment to making mental health a priority for all. From high-energy stress relievers to meaningful moments of reflection, Louisville’s Active Minds chapter keeps mental health support both engaging and accessible, finding small but impactful ways to help students manage stress and feel supported. Discover how they’re changing the game through our Q&A. Tell us about your school and chapter. Louisville High School is an all-girls College Prep Catholic high school founded in 1960. As part of Louisville’s mission of envisioning a world where women initiate change to enrich their communities, Active Minds/Mental Health Awareness Club has been a great addition to our campus climate. Our chapter was started with the main goal of advocating for the betterment of student’s mental health in our Louisville Community. Share something your chapter has done recently that you are proud of. We are proud of the range of activities and awareness we have provided to our school community. One of the more successful Wellness Wednesday events was when we hosted a “Just Dance” activity in partnership with the Counseling Department as a midweek mood boost to shake off some stress. We also implemented the “I wish Campaign” to our chapter and our student body so students could express their feelings to know their voice matters and to build a more compassionate community. Most recently, some of our chapter members hosted a booth at our school event “Louchella” as a fundraiser to donate back to Active Minds. At the fundraiser, we provided fidget coil rings and calming strips as a tool to support their mental health. Why is mental health important to your chapter and school? Mental health is important at our school, as stress can affect students differently, and we want to help students process their feelings in a healthy way. We want to create a sensitive and open environment for students to share their feelings without fear of judgement. How is your chapter making a difference on campus? Our chapter is making a difference on campus by providing students with initial breaks and methods to cope with stress by participating in the Wellness Wednesdays in collaboration with the Counseling Department. In addition to providing some tools, we spread mental health awareness to break the stigma by sharing quotes and educational videos. What advice would you give to someone thinking about joining or starting a chapter? Do it! Get involved and try to be routine in going to Chapter meetings. But don’t overwork yourself, your mental health matters just as much! What is a mental health mantra your chapter lives by? Aside from schoolwork and extracurriculars, students have other components of their lives that may be impacting their mental health, so lead with some grace. Acknowledging that mental health is important and how even though some mental illnesses are not seen, they matter just as much!

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.

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.