Surrounding yourself with people who lift you up is one of the best lessons I have learned. Having friends who are there to support you is something so important. A non-profit I would like to highlight focuses on creating space for young adults to talk about mental health and well-being.
What is Active Minds?
The nonprofit organization Active Minds uses peer connection to help change the conversation about mental health. Its mission is to “mobilize youth & young adults to transform mental health norms across society” (Active Minds). They create programs where students can support each other and have meaningful discussions with their peers about their well-being. Today, Active Minds is on over 1,000 campuses and in communities facilitating conversations and creating a safe space where people can feel seen, heard, and understood.
Send Silence Packing
One of their main events is Send Silence Packing, where they visit 60-80 schools and set up backpacks to represent those who have lost their life to suicide. This visual helps students see the many people who struggle with mental health while encouraging them to have those hard conversations and lean on their community when they need support.
This peer-to-peer support is what makes Active Minds stand out to me. Meeting young adults where they are helps make mental health a more approachable topic. On their social media accounts, they share tips on managing stress and stories from those who have been impacted by Active Minds.
Why is this important?
In a world that feels so busy, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and lost. Finding a space where you feel comfortable having open conversations about how you are doing can help you and others around you. For some, it may take a more structured community like Active Minds. For me, I have found community through the friendships and support systems I have built. Knowing I have people who hear me and listen without judgment has helped me understand that it’s OK to feel lost or to ask for help. I encourage you to think about your community — spaces where you feel heard and supported — and lean on them when life feels busy and out of balance.
In the same way, be there for others. A quick call, a thoughtful text, or inviting someone to go on a walk can make all the difference. Being part of a community is not just about finding support, but about offering it too.
Mari Pangelinan 