Latest news with #ActiveMinds
Ottawa Citizen
26-06-2025
- Health
- Ottawa Citizen
Westover: Remember the ice-bucket challenge? It's got an added cause
June. It's a month that straddles the seasons between spring and summer. It's a celebration of Father's Day and the end of the school year. It's a month that can be rainy or windy or — as we were reminded this past week — as sultry as a sauna. Article content It's also ALS Awareness Month. Article content Article content In the first week of June, the iconic 'Ottawa' sign was lit up in purple, the ALS Society's signature colour. This year, it set an admirable goal of raising $2,225,000 through virtual and in-real-life walks and other events. Article content Article content But of course, the biggest push to raise awareness and dollars for ALS came in 2014. Article content That's when the Ice Bucket Challenge took the world by storm. For those who missed the phenomenon, it was simple and shockingly (pun intended) effective: participants dumped a bucket of ice water over their heads, posted the video online, and challenged others to do the same. Article content Those who chose to opt out were supposed to open their wallets instead. Many did both. Article content Everyone from Oprah to Bill Gates got in on the action. It was nothing short of a global movement, raising $220 million U.S. while galvanizing optimism and hope for a community with too little of both. Article content Fundraising challenge rebranded Article content Article content In the U.S., these mental health donations go to Active Minds, a Washington-based mental health non-profit. In Canada, in the absence of a definitive counterpart, the Canadian Mental Health Association has stepped up to suggest donations to its local branches. Article content Article content Yet many young people seem unaware there's supposed to be a fundraising component at all; for some of them, performance trumps philanthropy. Article content My first instinct on hearing about the new version was protective, because the Ice Bucket Challenge was to ALS what the Terry Fox Run is to cancer. Article content But then I recalled a 2019 column I wrote about my father's ALS diagnosis and lack of mental health support. Given his advanced age, he opted to forgo invasive interventions. His decline was steep and rapid. He died seven agonizing months after meeting his neurologist. Article content I reflected that his medical care centred entirely on his failing body, with too little given to his mental well-being. It's no surprise that many people living with ALS, as well as their caregivers and loved ones, face serious mental health challenges.
Yahoo
23-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Active Minds Statement on Shutdown of 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline LGBTQ+ Subnetwork
WASHINGTON, June 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Active Minds is deeply concerned by the recent decision to discontinue the LGBTQ+ subnetwork of the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, known as the "Press 3 option." This decision represents a significant and dangerous step backward in our collective commitment to prioritizing mental health for all young people and will result in the termination of a vital support system for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults by July 17. At a time when we are facing an escalating youth mental health crisis, we need to lean into the evidence-based solutions that work. According to data from the 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 41% of LGBTQ+ high school students seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, compared to 13% of their cisgender and heterosexual peers. LGBTQ+ youth face disproportionately high rates of mental health challenges and suicidal ideation, often driven by systemic discrimination, identity-based violence, and social isolation, making specialized, culturally competent crisis services not only beneficial, but essential. The "Press 3" option was created in recognition of this critical need, providing identity-affirming support from trained counselors who understand the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ young people. These services are not arbitrary; they were established to provide culturally competent, identity-affirming support that general crisis lines are often unequipped to deliver. Eliminating this specialized support will cost lives. The fact that this announcement was made during Pride Month makes it especially pointed. Particularly alarming is the omission of the "T" from the "LGBTQ+" acronym in its public messaging dismissing an entire identity, an identity that has historically faced disproportionately high rates of mental health concerns; especially among younger trans and nonbinary individuals. Data from The Trevor Project shows that transgender and nonbinary youth are two to two-and-a-half times more likely than their cisgender LGBTQ+ peers to experience depression, consider suicide, or make an attempt. Taking away the "Press 3 option" created to provide affirming, identity-understanding care poses a direct threat to the lives and wellbeing of especially vulnerable youth. As the nation's leading nonprofit mobilizing youth and young adults to improve mental health norms for all, Active Minds calls on lawmakers and constituents to take action. We encourage Congress to restore funding for identity-affirming crisis services and ensure all crisis counselors are equipped to serve LGBTQ+ youth with empathy and competence. Every young person deserves access to mental health care that is safe, responsive, and tailored to their lived experience. Our movement has always been about amplifying diverse voices of youth and young adults positioning them to change how mental health is valued and prioritized. The voices of these trailblazers are clear: specialized mental health support saves lives, and no young person should ever be left behind. Now is the time to take action and here is what our youth and young adult network is doing: Learning about upcoming state and federal legislative efforts aimed at protecting mental health services for LGBTQ+ youth and young adults; engagement is essential to ensure these vital services are preserved and expanded. Becoming legislative advocates with Active Minds and joining us and our partners in the fight for mental health equity at every level of government and community. Mobilizing as advocates, allies, and community members against this harmful decision by signing The Trevor Project's national petition here: Protect the 988 Lifeline for LGBTQ+ Youth. We will continue to uplift the voices and stories of LGBTQ+ youth and advocate for mental health systems that recognize, respect, and protect every person, and champion a new era of mental health that truly values and prioritizes the wellbeing of all youth. If you or someone you know is in crisis, help is available. For LGBTQ+ youth, The Trevor Project's trained crisis counselors are available 24/7: Call 1-866-488-7386 Chat at Text START to 678678 To learn more about Active Minds, visit us online at For media inquiries, please contact: dante@ About Active MindsActive Minds is the largest nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society. For more than 20 years, we have equipped the next generation of peer mental health advocates through a variety of programs, including the Active Minds Chapter Network, A.S.K., and Send Silence Packing. Our advocacy, initiatives, and campaigns foster lasting change in how youth view and discuss mental health, encouraging them to use their voices to influence broader conversations and inform mental health supports within their communities. Together, we are building a diverse movement of champions committed to improving mental health for all. To learn more about Active Minds, visit active Contact: Dante Worth dante@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Active Minds, Inc. Sign in to access your portfolio
Associated Press
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Associated Press
National Recording Artist Justine Skye Announced as Keynote Speaker for the 2025 Active Minds Mental Health Conference
With over 130 million streams globally, Skye uses her powerful voice to champion mental health awareness, encouraging young people to make their well-being a priority. WASHINGTON, June 4, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Active Minds, the nation's leading nonprofit organization committed to transforming mental health norms among 14 to 25 year-olds, announced that singer, actress, and mental health advocate Justine Skye will serve as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Active Minds Mental Health Conference. The Active Minds Mental Health Conference is the largest national event focused on youth mental health advocacy. Aimed primarily at individuals aged 18–25, the conference includes keynote presentations, breakout sessions, and interactive programming led by experts in mental health, higher education, and student leadership. It serves as a platform for participants to learn about the most effective strategies for promoting mental well-being and reducing stigma in their communities. 'Our attendees consistently tell us they're looking for real voices and relatable stories,' said Alison Malmon, Founder and Executive Director of Active Minds. 'Justine's journey and advocacy are powerful reminders that healing is not only possible—it's necessary, and it begins with courageous conversations. We are thrilled to welcome her to the Active Minds stage.' Skye, the Brooklyn-born artist who began her music career at just 17, has rapidly ascended in the industry with hundreds of millions of streams. Following her artistic reintroduction in 2021 with the album Space & Time, Skye has showcased her multifaceted talent, including her late-night television debut on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon and a prominent role on the hit series Grown-ish. Her single 'Collide' became a viral sensation on TikTok, accumulating 130M streams worldwide, proving her enduring appeal in the ever-evolving music landscape. Now, Justine Skye is stepping into the glow of a new era with the release of 'Oh Lala"—her first official dance single and Warner Records debut. 'Speaking up about mental health isn't a weakness—it's a strength,' said Justine Skye. 'I'm honored to be the keynote speaker at this year's Active Minds Mental Health Conference and connect with a generation that's championing a new era of mental health. This year's theme, Stories That Move, is a powerful reminder that when we open up, we not only heal ourselves—we inspire others to do the same.' More information about the upcoming conference, including session details and registration, can be found at About Active Minds Active Minds is the largest nonprofit in the United States mobilizing youth and young adults to transform mental health norms across society. For more than 20 years, we have equipped the next generation of peer mental health advocates through a variety of programs, including the Active Minds Chapter Network, A.S.K., and Send Silence Packing. Our advocacy, initiatives, and campaigns foster lasting change in how youth view and discuss mental health, encouraging them to use their voices to influence broader conversations and inform mental health supports within their communities. Together, we are building a diverse movement of champions committed to improving mental health for all. To learn more about Active Minds, visit MEDIA CONTACTS Dante Worth ( [email protected] ) Nick Dierl ( [email protected] ) View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Active Minds, Inc.
The Star
25-05-2025
- Health
- The Star
When everyone is having a menty B
If you've been on Instagram recently, you may have seen Insta stories of giddy teens dumping water – which don't even contain ice – on their friends in the name of #SpeakYourMIND. Influencers give pretty speeches in which they claim 'Mental health is important!' and give a cheerful thumbs-up of support. According to its own mission statement, Active Minds, the American non-profit organisation behind this latest ice bucket challenge, claims to foster a 'diverse movement of peer mental health champions' that 'transform mental health norms across society'. And while that is a well-intentioned cause, what exactly does it have to do with mental health awareness? The non-profit's website bats around words such as depression, anxiety, advocacy and change, but it's unclear what exactly this organisation is doing with the US$300,000 (about RM1.29mil) raised by the ice bucket challenge – and the actual impact of these efforts is murky to discern at best. Besides, if the success of the original ice bucket challenge in raising awareness of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) was questionable, why do we think it would work for mental health now? A little knowledge is not enough The problem nowadays with mental health isn't that it's taboo to discuss; it's how much we've turned mental health terms into buzzwords and online trends that spread misinformation. Youths may think their limited exposure to, and experience with, mental illness, be it in health class or through a stint of now-very-common depression or anxiety, means that they understand all there is to the endless ocean that is mental health. This false security in knowledge means that they aren't likely to seek out more information and may dismiss people who tell them to educate themselves. For example, when I asked people at my lunch table to stop gossiping about a classmate's recent suicide, I was told that I was overreacting and that they 'understood' because of going through a rough patch during Covid-19 – despite knowing that I had a close friend die under similar circumstances the week before. And now these youths are being turned into 'champions'. Don't get me wrong. It's a good thing that there are 'more than 15,000 young adults... (who are) passionate advocates and educators for mental health,' as Active Minds reports. But this may be like having someone with melanoma (a skin cancer) advocating for those dealing with leukaemia (a blood cancer) and claiming they have personal connections to this battle because of their experience with melanoma. Instead of actually educating themselves about serious mental illnesses, these youths may be convinced to douse themselves in water and throw around terms such as 'Menty B', meaning 'mental breakdown'. Romanticising mental illness The danger of using these terms so flippantly, particularly as internet slang, is illustrated by the 'prevalence inflation hypothesis', as presented in a 2023 paper by researchers from Britain and Australia. I repeatedly hear kids say they're having a panic attack when in fact they're mildly stressed by an upcoming test – so much to the point that I may not get the help I need for an actual panic attack. As kids hear these disorders referenced more often, through trends such as the ice bucket challenge, they may 'misinterpret milder and more transient forms of distress as mental health problems,' the researchers conclude. ALSO READ: The difference between being mentally unhealthy and mentally ill Active Mind's #SpeakYourMIND promotes exactly this. If we hear the concept enough times, we may start applying it to our daily lives, leading to incorrect self-diagnoses. We're following the trend of romanticising mental illnesses. As a Texas State University student put it: 'We are a culture of extremes, and attempts to destigmatise mental illness have inadvertently glamorised it', so much so that it's seen as having ''beautifully tragic' qualities'. Life-threatening conditions have been turned into what can only be called microtrends, but many people still don't under- stand what those illnesses entail. Seasonal affective disorder, better known as SAD, isn't just when you feel tired in the winter. People who have schizophrenia aren't dangers to society, and bulimia and anorexia certainly aren't the same thing! We must reform our use of mental health language so that we're not propagating stereotypes and allowing them to be turned into an 'interesting' facet of our personalities. This all begins with a more critical look at what the #SpeakYourMIND ice bucket challenge actually is: a dumb trend for people chasing internet virality while trying to look cute, who are not raising awareness for mental health. – By Abigail AuYeung/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service Abigail AuYeung is a senior (final-year student) at Hinsdale Central High School near Chicago in the United States.
Arabian Post
14-05-2025
- Health
- Arabian Post
Ice Bucket Challenge Returns with Mental Health Focus
A decade after its viral debut, the Ice Bucket Challenge has re-emerged with a renewed mission: promoting mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Spearheaded by students at the University of South Carolina, the 2025 iteration, dubbed the #SpeakYourMIND Challenge, has rapidly gained traction on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The campaign was initiated by Wade Jefferson, a junior at USC, following the tragic loss of two friends to suicide. Organized through the university's Mental Illness Needs Discussion Club, the challenge encourages participants to douse themselves with ice water, share the experience online, and nominate others to do the same or donate to Active Minds, a nonprofit dedicated to youth mental health. Since its launch, the movement has surpassed expectations, raising over $345,000 for Active Minds. The organization's website has experienced a significant surge in traffic, reflecting the campaign's widespread impact. The original 2014 Ice Bucket Challenge, aimed at raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis , garnered global attention and raised over $220 million for research. While the current focus has shifted to mental health, the ALS Association has expressed support for the new initiative, highlighting the shared goal of fostering awareness and support for critical health issues. However, some members of the ALS community have voiced concerns about the challenge's new direction. Brooke Eby, an ALS patient and influencer, expressed frustration on social media, emphasizing the ongoing need for ALS research and the risk of diluting the original message. Despite differing opinions, the #SpeakYourMIND Challenge has garnered participation from various public figures, including Peyton Manning and James Charles, further amplifying its reach. Live television segments, such as ITV's 'This Morning,' have also featured spontaneous participations, bringing the challenge to broader audiences. See also AI Browser Shift Sparks Alarms Over Online Privacy
