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June 30, 2025 — Who are you? What will you do? How should you present yourself? It seems as though these questions played on repeat since I can remember, consuming my thoughts into the darkest parts of the night, taunting me as if they knew, I would never come up with an answer that felt right. I was seven, maybe then I should’ve known my brain worked just a little bit differently. I’ve always been acutely aware of how my story separates me from others. Not many people can say they were adopted from a developing Latin American country and whose family of origin is made up of adopted children, but I can. Growing up, I yearned to be like my friends, someone who looked like their peers in complexion and stature. When that didn’t work, I figured if I could just act like them, take the pieces that made them “normal” and make them my own, then I’d fit in. Then, I’d feel at home in my body. But my mind and body were already at war, and I was just along for the ride. It’s one thing to feel trapped in your own head, it’s quite another when circumstances beyond your control remind you how vulnerable to tragedy you are. What-ifs played out in montages behind my eyelids, turning restless days into sleepless nights. Darkness held my secret until it became too big to contain and I found myself in a room with a doctor, finally giving my puzzle pieces names. The funny thing about diagnoses is that they can create more questions than answers. Back then, I was given three to explain my emotional turmoil. While hearing the words depression, anxiety, and anorexia brought a sense of relief, it reminded me once again that I was not like everyone else. In fact, they only hid the deep-seated fact that I had grown accustomed to thinking so much about death I forgot how to live my life — too much water under the proverbial bridge — and quite frankly, I wasn’t ready to admit the truth to myself. While I may have moved on from my childhood home, the baggage I carried came with me to my college dorm. Except now, I was on my own in a new place and at the time telehealth options were limited. I spent the next three years drowning my growing awareness of mental health struggles, finding myself once again needing more professional help. Yet this time would be different because I now was ready to admit a few key pieces of my story: yes I’m a survivor of childhood trauma (leading to my PTSD and Borderline Personality diagnosis), yes I’m a survivor of religious trauma, and yes, I am queer. Perhaps I knew these things all along but was too scared to face the implications of my thoughts, especially with an already fractured image of myself. I mean, how does someone rebuild after admitting such heavy truths? The scary reality is, there isn’t a road map, and after spending years running, I didn’t know where to begin. I knew the masks that I made from others no longer fit, but who was I underneath that shield, and moreover, how could I become the best version of her? My therapist explained that we all have different parts that make us who we are. Some parts we are proud of, while others we tend to ignore. The real magic happens when we accept all our parts, allow them to heal, and find ways to support them moving forward. While that seems really daunting, all the power you need is within yourself, because you are the one you’ve been waiting for. I’m not saying that I have this whole identity puzzle figured out or that I don’t still have the questions of “Who are you? What will you do? How should you present yourself?” floating around in my head. But what I do know so far is that above all else, I am the keeper of my peace and happiness. Living in the shadows by conforming to the desires and opinions of others does not reflect who I truly am. Neither do the slew of diagnostic codes in my medical history. As someone on the continuous journey of discovery, I encourage you to let your story unfold and embrace the richness of your true self. I assure you that it's worth it.

June 19, 2025 — Juneteenth marks the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when news of freedom finally reached enslaved people in Texas — freedom that came too late for too many. As we honor this day, we remember that true freedom isn't just about laws, it's about making sure everyone can get the healing, care, and support they need. When we talk about mental health, we have to talk about the whole picture. Black Americans are 20% more likely to experience serious psychological distress, yet still face barriers that make getting help harder. Juneteenth serves as a powerful reminder to acknowledge and challenge ongoing racial inequities in mental healthcare, particularly those affecting Black communities. Even after the abolition of slavery, the pervasive effects of systemic injustices continue to ripple through generations, profoundly impacting the mental well-being of Black individuals in the U.S. and worldwide. As we advocate for equity and inclusion, it is crucial to recognize that freedom from slavery did not bring an end to racial discrimination. To fully grasp this issue, we must understand the critical difference between equality, giving everyone the same resources, and equity, providing support based on individual needs and circumstances. While we celebrate Juneteenth, we must acknowledge that the effects of systemic racism, intergenerational trauma, and daily microaggressions are widespread and don’t disappear with a holiday. They impact how Black youth show up, speak out, and care for ourselves and one another. Everyone deserves care without barriers and healing that honors their whole story. At times, creating systemic change as an individual can feel overwhelming. But meaningful progress takes time, just like the long path to Juneteenth’s federal recognition, over 150 years in the making. By supporting the mental and emotional well-being of others, especially those from historically marginalized communities, we’re helping to build a more equitable future, one action at a time. With these lasting goals in mind, we’re proud to uplift our 2025 Emerging Scholar Fellowship. This fellowship supports students who identify as Black, Indigenous, and/or People of Color (BIPOC) as they lead independent, transformative research at the intersection of mental health and identity. The fellowship is more than funding; it’s a platform for systemic change. Through mentorship, visibility, and resources, Active Minds supports these rising leaders as they challenge stigma and elevate historically marginalized voices in mental health. This Juneteenth, we’re thrilled to celebrate their bold vision for a more equitable future. Let Juneteenth be more than a commemoration; let it be a commitment to mental health equity and community care. Together, we can build a future where Black students are not just surviving, but thriving.

June 6, 2025 — In a country and world that often feel hostile to LGBTQIA+ existence, simply existing as your beautiful queer self is radical. So choose joy, choose community, and choose yourself.

June 2, 2025 — Through fun, welcoming events that encouraged real participation, we set out to bring our campus and local community together around a cause that matters: mental health awareness.

May 28, 2025 — Active Minds is no stranger to setting and achieving big goals. Now, we’re setting our sights on an even bigger impact: mobilizing 100,000 youth and young adults by 2028.

May 24, 2025 — At one of the nation’s largest universities, UCF’s Active Minds chapter has truly made its mark, consistently bringing vital mental health resources to their campus at large.

This guide explore why means reduction is an effective suicide prevention strategy on college campuses, along with how to identify practical and achievable interventions.

Learn how to advocate for mental health funding at your institution, including key allies, the process for changing student fees, case studies, and more.

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Original research from Active Minds and TimelyCare focusing on how college students value and prioritize the mental health of their friends, for others, and themselves.