General

October 2, 2024 — From the students (officers): Aliyah Chapman, Liz Kowlski, Rylee McTernan, Morin Yacoub, and Maren Bowmen This blog was written by student leaders at Whitman-Hanson Regional High School about their experiences advancing mental health in their community. This is the first of two pieces sharing the story of these students’ advocacy. To read about this journey/story […]

September 24, 2024 — It’s never too early to start planning for your future. As you return to school looking forward to charting a new year, it’s important to consider how your actions today inform your path tomorrow. This new season is the perfect time to start thinking about your career and plans for the future. Many of you […]

September 18, 2024 — As a former educator on the south side of Chicago, I know firsthand the excitement and challenges of launching a new school year. The start of the school year sets the tone for what’s to come. We plan everything—the schedules, the curricula, the safety drills—but too often, mental health programming gets overlooked. And in today’s […]

September 9, 2024 — The Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy (Academy) is a leadership development and mental health advocacy program that equips BIPOC and LGBTQ+ high school students to address mental health-related issues and affect change in their schools, communities, and states. Recently, four alumni from the Active Minds Mental Health Advocacy Academy told us about their experiences and […]

September 4, 2024 — Understanding Suicide Prevention Awareness Month Suicide Prevention Awareness Month takes place every September and is dedicated to raising awareness about suicide so that together we can take action and save lives. Every year 726,000 people die by suicide. Youth mental health continues to be one of the most pressing challenges of our time, with the […]

August 28, 2024 — Are you a college student who sometimes feels overwhelmed by the pressures of academic life? Are you struggling to manage stress and find the support you need on campus? Look no further! Active Minds and First Aid Beauty have partnered to engage college students like you to share your voices and impact your communities today, […]

August 20, 2024 — Did you know that nearly half of all adolescents in the United States have experienced a mental health disorder at some point in their lives? That’s a staggering statistic, and highlights the importance of a recent development in the U.S. Senate.  Last month, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Resolution 769 (S.R. 769), a groundbreaking declaration […]

August 14, 2024 — It is officially the start of the new school year in our home. For me, the last few days have been packed with back-school-shopping for my new middle schooler, orchestra supplies, theater fundraisers, and monitoring my own mental health as a single parent during this time. For you, though, I imagine the back-to-school transition is […]

August 6, 2024 — As the curtains close on the 2024 Active Minds Mental Health Conference, we find ourselves reflecting not only on the inspiring conversations and thought-provoking ideas shared over the weekend but also on the palpable energy that filled every session. From keynotes that uplifted the voices of Gen Z and allies,  to interactive workshops, this year’s […]

July 29, 2024 — Conferences are amazing opportunities to learn, network, and get inspired. But let’s face it: they can also be overwhelming. With packed schedules, endless information, and the constant buzz of activity, it’s easy to forget about yourself. That’s why self-care is essential for thriving, not just surviving, a conference. Why Self-Care Matters Taking care of yourself […]