In the Spring of 2000, Brian Malmon, a student of only 22 years-old, decided to end his life after a profound depression and anxiety he never shared with his close ones. Alison understood the story of her brother was the same of thousands of American teenagers and young adults that take their lives due to Mental Health related issues. That’s why Alison decided to create Active Minds, a nonprofit organization to normalize the talks about Suicide and Mental Health. We should not have to wait for a tragedy to happen to talk about these issues.
Active Minds was founded in 2003, and 17 years later it has over 500 chapters nation-wide. I had the privilege to attend the Active Minds National Conference 2020; and I personally met Alison, a person I look up to.
Everyone has the capacity to help. Teenagers and young adults can often talk more about these issues with a stranger than with their relatives. We must learn to say “I understand you,” and “I am here for you,” and not “It’s all normal,” or “I will pass.”
It’s in our hands!
DHeRojas' Blog 
This is awesome! I feel so strongly about suicide and mental health due to my best friend Savannah committing suicide a year ago. Ever since her death, I have felt a calling to help spread awareness and help spread Savannah’s story because mental health is a real thing. The one thing that I have learned throughout the grieving process is that it is okay to say that you are not okay.
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It is really great that you approached this topic. I believe that mental health is a major issue nowadays since many people struggle with it. However, it is still a taboo because society sees it as irrelevant. Mental health can cause severe consequences and it needs to be treated. Thus, it is really great that you had the opportunity to attend this conference and maybe help people in the future based on the knowledge you gained.
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This is a great and beautiful idea. I really believe this kind of organization will help a lot of people get back on their feet. It is always nice to be able to talk to people who can relate to you and not treat you like your crazy. I hope this project expands touching a lot of individuals.
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