Active Minds is a student organization that seeks to educate the Calvin community on the various types of mental illnesses, provide resources for students who might be struggling, and aid in dispelling the shame that surrounds mental illnesses.

“Something that we constantly push is ‘changing the conversation.’ Mental illness is often stigmatized as something to be ashamed of, so people might refrain from discussing it out of discomfort,” said junior Abby Hocking, vice president of the club. “Our goal is to initiate meaningful conversations on campus and give a voice to those who might not otherwise speak up.”

Active Minds does not just metaphorically smash things, they also physically smash scales during an Eating Disorder Awareness Scale Smash on Commons Lawn. Students smashed bathroom scales with baseball bats to “make the statement that weight does not define beauty or character,” said Hocking. The club is planning another “Scale Smash” this coming April.

In addition to the smashing, the club also participates in National Day Without Stigma, where they “urge students to learn the real facts of mental illness instead of relying on stereotypes,” said Hocking.

This past autumn, the club also took part in the Out of Darkness Suicide Prevention Walk in Millennium Park in Walker, Mich. The walk was in honor of those who have struggled with suicidal ideation and in memory of those who have been tragically lost.

The organization has recently partnered with the The Mental Health Foundation and the Church of the Servant to present a showing of “Hope Bridge,” a free movie that describes the journey of a young man who lost his father to suicide. The film is designed to answer the “why” of those who are struggling with the reasons a loved one took their life. The story also gives visual signs to look for to help a loved one who may be experiencing depression. This film will be presented on Wednesday, March 2, at 6 p.m. in the Commons Annex Lecture Hall.

As always, the club is actively looking for new members. “We love hearing their unique stories and we’re excited to see what they have to contribute to our organization,” Hocking said.

To get involved with Active Minds, students can contact Jessica Somerville at [email protected] or Abby Hocking at [email protected].