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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 30, 2026 — 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.

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