General

October 10, 2022 — When I was younger, I believed mental health was exclusive. Only those with severe, visible problems have mental health needs. Only later did I learn that everyone has mental health, and unfortunately, many of us will have to navigate the negative side of it. It is only human, right? When my Mvskoke mother was a […]

October 7, 2022 — Content Warning: Mention of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. When I was 16, I was with a family member when they attempted suicide. I had to go with them to the emergency room, where they received treatment and thankfully, survived. It was kept very quiet in my family. My parents are divorced and one of […]

October 6, 2022 — As a 17-year-old high school student, I never understood why all my peers were seemingly so happy and filled with joy whenever they came to school, but I wasn’t. While my classmates were going out to football games with their friends, I stayed home and analyzed what was wrong with me. “Why can’t I make […]

October 3, 2022 — As we kick off Mental Illness Awareness Week, you may be hearing more about mental health on social media, in the news, and among your friends and family, including various types of mental illnesses. This can unfortunately often include some of the many misconceptions related to mental health that persist in our society. As we […]

September 30, 2022 — Content Warning: Mention of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation. The world needs you here because…well, why? For those living with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health disorders, the answer can sometimes feel unclear. And in a time when racism, transphobia, homophobia, antisemitism, and ableism continue to persist, I know firsthand how hard it can […]

September 29, 2022 — Content Warning: This piece contains mentions of suicide. Welcome to our awesome group of Active Minds interns! We’re so excited to work with them to continue changing the conversation around mental health. Diya Basu 1. Where are you from? I’m from Sammamish, WA (30 minutes outside Seattle). 2. Where do you go to school and […]

September 27, 2022 — Imagine coming home to your mom and asking her to do something you know she would never let you do, but you still ask. You feel that knot in your stomach, and your voice starts to quiver. Growing up, this is how I – and many other Hispanic children and young adults I knew – […]

September 23, 2022 — Content Warning: This piece contains mentions of suicidal ideation, religious trauma, and homophobia. I noticed from a young age that I was interested in both sexes. As a kid, I went to a private Catholic school from kindergarten through fifth grade before then attending a public middle school. I remember being preached to in second […]

September 22, 2022 — Content Warning: This piece contains mentions of suicide. One of the hardest and most impactful elements of my role with Active Minds is the opportunity to spend time with the families and loved ones of those who have been lost to suicide. Despite the unfortunate circumstances under which we get to know each other, it’s […]

September 21, 2022 — Today marks the beginning of the second year of our Mental Health Advocacy Academy. The Academy is a unique leadership opportunity for Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) high school students to create change in their schools and communities. Our 2022 youth advocates (listed below) will […]