What is Minds Without B0rders?
Realizing the need for more mental health resources, Anjani Sharma founded Minds Without B0rders to generate awareness about the importance of mental health.
Photo by Anjani Sharma
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, symptoms of depression and anxiety have significantly risen, especially in adolescents. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has found that more than 1 out of 5 teenagers has or used to have a seriously debilitating mental illness. However, most do not even realize they have such mental conditions, nor do they seek to treat them. In her classrooms and communities, Anjani Sharma, the Founder and Executive Director of Minds Without B0rders realized that not enough was being done to address this issue.
“I had good friends who faced eating disorders, anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts, but mental health was so stigmatized, so they didn’t have access to any treatment.”
She took matters into her own hands and founded Minds Without B0rders, a student-run 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in order to address the rise in mental health issues among adolescents through advocacy and policies.
“I want to bring together a coalition of students that are passionate about mental health advocacy so that we can all make a big impactful change,” says Sharma. “Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their background, and by advocating for mental health, we ensure that nobody feels alone in their journey. We can break down the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage open conversations about emotional well-being.”
Sharma also relates to her peers, as during the pandemic, she has experienced symptoms of anxiety and isolation as well.
“I didn’t realize what I was facing. There was so much going on,” says Sharma.
Sharma hopes that Minds Without B0rders can help those like her. Through Minds Without B0rders, she aims to reach students all over the world and connect with community leaders to enact more legislation to provide students with more mental health resources, including in schools.
Sharma states, “We have already made an international impact, and I hope that Minds Without B0rders can truly go beyond all borders because mental health is something everyone faces and everyone deserves care and support.”