My Nonprofit Reviews

Active Minds is an incredible mental health organization. The work they do to combat stigma, advocate, and support those in need is saving lives every day-- I know because they saved mine. In the midst of a crippling depressive episode, I discovered Active Minds through a friend's recommendation. And, after months of despair, that’s when things began to change. Up until that point I had been completely hopeless and felt utterly alone, and Active Minds provided for me that community of understanding that my friends and family, try as they might, simply couldn’t. Had I not connected with Active Minds, and through it, gained access to a world that embraced and understood mental illness, I’m not sure how my story would have ended.

Active Minds gave me a place to go when I felt as though I belonged nowhere. I was vulnerable, terrified, and so close to giving up. But I reached out to them and they embraced me. They gave me a purpose. In a time when I was struggling to find meaning in anything, they gave me a reason to believe in myself and believe that I could, and would, get better. That I had value in this world. Because many of them had been there themselves, they absolutely understood what I was going through, and they knew I’d come out of it. And when you’re depressed, believe me– that kind of understanding is everything.

With the support of Active Minds, my incredible family and friends, and good medical care, I came out of that debilitating depressive episode, fragile at first but then stronger than before. Thanks to Active Minds, I learned how to fight. I learned (and continue to learn), through therapy, openness, and connection with others who’ve been there, how to take care of myself— how to recognize my own thoughts versus the depression, how to utilize my resources, how to be true to myself and accept who I am, flaws, illness and all.

Active Minds is, every day, changing the conversation about mental health, and in doing so, changing lives. It is creating a world where we can feel just as comfortable seeking help for mental illness as we would seeking help for a broken limb. A world where there is no shame, no stigma, no reason to feel so desperately alone. No reason to lose hope.

It has been 10 years since I discovered Active Minds, and to this day I remain heavily involved in the organization. I wholeheartedly believe in the work they do, and wholeheartedly believe that no one does it better. I've seen the organization grow and expand across college and high school campuses nationwide, and it warms my heart to know that so many young adults are benefitting from their services and mission. This organization is truly changing the world, and I'm honored to be one small piece of proof.