Our Roadmaps guide you through our media maze
We take the guesswork out of what to teach or talk about. Follow our Roadmaps to find what you need, like education on trauma, conditions, mindfulness, youth wellness, or behavioral health. Get started today.
Click the graphics below. Our blog will do the rest. Use our multimedia for family, classroom, and community education at no cost. Enjoy our on-demand tools and resources anytime on any device.
EDUCATION | ROADMAPS
THE ROAD TO BETTER BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
Start Using Brother Be Well Today
• Visit our plans page to sign-up for a free membership (males of color ages 13+). Onboard as an individual or bring your entire group. Members receive our newsletter and invitations to members-only activities.
• Subscribe to our blog to receive our multimedia. Our blog and free tools are open to the public.
• Follow our Roadmaps to get the most out of Brother Be Well. Use our media and curriculum as part of your curriculum. Find categorized media for family, classroom, and community discussions – education for all.
• Educate youth through a podcast listening session.
• Offer extra credit for reviewing one of our videos.
• Use our web-based courses to educate your staff and students.
• Visit our Learning Library and use our Into the Classroom multimedia teaching tools, appropriate for all middle school to college-aged students, sponsored by Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
It’s painful to realize that some children and youth endure deep trauma. And often, the harm comes not from a stranger, but from someone within their own home or circle of trust. Without support, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can lead to lifelong mental and physical health challenges. Click the graphic to follow this roadmap to understanding and addressing childhood adversity
We offer ACEs education through: ACEs and Childhood Trauma (Parts 1 and 2) in our Trauma and Healing Learning Library. For greater awareness, visit our ACEs page. Be sure to check out the My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Sacramento’s ACEs/ Systems Navigation Project with Brother Be Well, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
Behaviors
At times, we may struggle to understand our own behavior. Unresolved experiences buried beneath the surface can shape how we react, sometimes leading us to act out in front of others. When a substance use or behavioral health condition goes untreated, it can intensify these reactions and make everyday challenges even harder to manage. For greater insights, see this important series including: Behaviors and Unresolved Trauma (Parts 1 and 2) in our Learning Library.
Conditions
Behavioral health conditions can impact anyone, and when left unaddressed, they may evolve into serious disorders that limit our ability to thrive. We encourage you to explore our wide range of resources, from expert clinical insights to powerful lived experiences. Learn about different conditions, their signs and risk factors, and discover effective coping strategies and treatment options. Gaining this knowledge can support a more balanced, resilient, and fulfilling life.
Our Learning Library helps to deepen understanding via: The Outpatient Mental Health Care Experience (Parts 1 and 2) and Inpatient Mental Healthcare (Parts 1 and 2). Get more education on our Conditions page, and take the Childhood Mental Health Conditions course to better understand children’s mental health.
COVID-19
The pandemic’s reach has been profound: from ongoing risks during COVID-19 variant surges to sudden disruptions in school, work, and daily life. Many of us continue to face isolation, heightened stress, and growing behavioral health challenges as we navigate a new reality. We stand alongside you during these difficult times, offering a rich collection of multimedia resources featuring guidance from healthcare experts and health equity advocates. We invite you to explore this roadmap toward a healthier, more hopeful future.
To learn more, visit Mental Health California’s COVID-19 Mental Health Awareness Video Series and Resources and the Sac Collab Community Mental Health Awareness Campaign.
Creativity
Art is a powerful gift that can lift the heaviness from our hearts and offer light in dark moments. A single spark of creativity can transform a mood, ease our minds, and support healing. For many, art therapy is a valuable tool during challenging times. Creative expression can be a grounding, mindful practice that helps us focus on beauty and find balance each day. Click the graphic to explore the creativity roadmap and discover its transformative potential.
Cultural Mental Health
We’re proud to share multimedia that centers culturally-relevant knowledge, practices, and services designed to support mental wellness in BIPOC communities. Our contributors include healthcare professionals, therapists, wellness coaches, and youth voices from Black/African American, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander American, Native American, and LGBTQIA+ communities. Together, we elevate stories directly from the people, highlighting the care, support, and approaches that most authentically reflect their cultures, identities, and family experiences.
Empowerment
Looking for inspiration on the go? Our empowerment videos feature peers, mentors, experts, and clinicians who are sure to reignite your motivation. Explore quick, impactful doses of education and encouragement on a range of topics, perfect for a classroom boost, a moment of reflection, or a practical tip to carry with you. A Sampling of Topics: Do Your Best, Tell the Truth Tuesday, Win the Day Wednesday, Train Positive Thoughts, and Acts of Kindness.
Exercise
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools for supporting behavioral health, yet staying motivated isn’t always easy, and it’s common to lose momentum. We celebrate the effort you’ve already put in and are here to help you reignite your fitness journey. Our health experts and motivational speakers offer practical guidance on building consistency, creating healthy habits, and understanding the lasting benefits of physical activity. Let’s boost those endorphins and rediscover the joy of moving our bodies.
Faith and Mental Health
Curious about spirituality and its role in life’s bigger picture? Explore our multimedia to discover how faith and spirituality work together to support mental and emotional well-being. Our clinicians and wellness advocates share insights on the foundations of both, reflect on their personal experiences, and offer practical guidance for living a faith-centered, whole-person life.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is often easier said than done, yet it holds the power to bring lasting peace and emotional freedom. Our clinical advisors share insights into the psychology of forgiveness, while courageous storytellers offer real-life perspectives on the healing process. Together, they’ll help us begin the journey and embrace the wellness benefits that come with true forgiveness. For deeper guidance, watch The Power of Forgiveness webinar for added encouragement.
Learning Library
Our Learning Library provides trauma and healing education. We also offer critical topics for parents and caregivers concerned with family wellness. The library features in-depth videos, visual presentations, and handouts. Our free tools are perfect for classroom settings when educators are short on time but big on student wellness and behavioral health awareness.
A Sampling of Topics: What is Trauma?, Community and Generational Trauma, Inpatient Mental Healthcare, How to Navigate a Public Mental Health System, HIPPA, and When to Use an Emergency Room. See the full Learning Library sponsored by Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative.
Mental Fitness
Imagine reaching a state of well-being where you feel empowered to guide your thoughts, actions, and emotions. Our clinicians and behavioral health advocates are excited to share a comprehensive collection of multimedia designed to help you on the journey toward becoming the healthiest version of yourself, mind and body working in harmony.
Mentoring
A steady hand, a thoughtful word, a trusted guide; mentorship can make all the difference. Our mentoring multimedia shares valuable life lessons and experiences, offering insight and encouragement along the way. Through meaningful mentoring partnerships, we aim to support and inspire you as you work toward your greatest personal goals. A Sampling of Topics: Advice to the Young Lions (Parts 1 and 2), and Bullying: How to Deal With It. Be sure to watch the Fatherhood Through the Ages Webinar to gain insights from fellow parents and caregivers.
Mindfulness
Interested in exploring how mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork converge? You’re in the right place. Mindfulness helps us quiet the inner noise, stay grounded in the present, and release worries about the past or future. Through our multimedia, you’ll discover how to build focus, deepen awareness, and cultivate a greater appreciation for the moment, guiding you toward a more peaceful, centered state of being.
A Sampling of Topics: Staying Present Through Mindfulness, Connecting to Nature, The Power of Yet, Cultivating Patience, and Powerful Breathing. Articles on the Mental Health California mindfulness page offer additional insights.
Nutrition
What we eat has a powerful impact on our behavioral health. Because nutrition directly influences brain function and chemical balance, mindful eating is essential for overall well-being. Our team of plant-based nutritionists, healthcare professionals, and nutrition specialists is here to guide you. Turn up the volume in your home, classroom, or community space. We’re ready to share the tools you need to build a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Click the graphic to begin your journey.
A Sampling of Topics: The Effects of Energy Drink Consumption on Mental Health, 3 Foods That Boost Mental Health, 7 Energy-Boosting Foods to Combat Fatigue, Emotional Eating, and Meet Plant-Based Registered Dietitian, Delilah Bisase. Then, learn to eat well on the Mental Health California nutrition page.
Parents and Caregivers
With lived experience and clinical expertise woven into these conversations, parents and caregivers get critical tips and strategies for dealing with behavioral health in their family and community settings. From understanding the terms used in mental health facilities to spotting behaviors in children and navigating systems, we’ve got you covered to help smooth the road ahead.
For deeper insights, see these in our Learning Library: HIPAA (Parts 1 and 2), When to Use an Emergency Room (Parts 1 and 2), How to Navigate a Public Mental Health System (Parts 1 and 2) and How to Navigate a Private Mental Health System (Parts 1 and 2). Be sure to take our free courses for parents and caregivers. Sponsored by Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative.
Personal Stories
Someone else’s story could be our survival guide. This roadmap takes us on a journey to acknowledge trauma along with stories of fortitude demonstrated by perseverance, compassion, and hope. By embracing lived experience, we can all offer greater compassion to those in the struggle. Open your eyes to these amazing stories of resilience in the face of adversity across ages and ethnic groups, mirroring the very faces we come across in our everyday lives.
Physical Health
Our bodies are lean machines that work around the clock. Learn more about the essentials that we require to perform optimally. Our healthcare professionals and mind-body experts will help us better comprehend the science underlying physical health habits that result in long-term physical gains.
A Sampling of Topics: Let’s Talk About Headaches,10 Tips for Proper Sleep, Chronic Pain and Mental Health, and Strategies for Physical and Mental Fitness. Take a deep dive with: The Physical Health Impacts of Trauma (Parts 1 and 2) in our Learning Library. Get more info and tips on the Mental Health California wellness page.
Racial Stress
Race-Based Traumatic Stress (RBTS), or psychological distress associated with racist experiences, is a toxin to the health of people of color. Our multimedia includes contributions from culture-sensitive clinicians, educators, and others who share the keys to freedom from racial stress. To advance understanding of racial stress, please see: Community and Generational Trauma (Parts 1 and 2) in our Learning Library. Get more knowledge through our Racial Trauma page. Take our trauma-related courses, including on RBTS.
Relationships
Relationships can be difficult to navigate, but we’re capable of flourishing in our interactions with others. Walk this road and see our multimedia to learn the ABCs of initiating and nurturing relationships, whether with a parent, peer, colleague, or significant other. A Sampling of Topics: Navigating Relationships, Controlling Anger in Relationships, and Difficult Partner Relationships. Click the graphic to get started.
Self-Care
Explore our curated multimedia to guide you on how to achieve well-deserved pampering. Rejuvenate with our meditation videos, motivational stories, and expert-led discussions on how to avoid burnout and to promote a life of balance and inner harmony. A Sampling of Topics: Self Care Saturday, Making Time for Yourself, Self-Soothing Techniques, and Whole Person Fitness. Get more facts, tips, and ideas on our Self-Care page.
Stigma
Stigma can weigh heavily on us, fueled by the fear of judgment and the pressure to hide parts of who we truly are. It can keep us from growing, healing, and moving forward. This roadmap is here to help break those barriers, guiding us into conversations that challenge stigma and promote understanding. Let’s release the shame and fear it creates and take meaningful steps toward acceptance and freedom. A Sampling of Topics: Debunking Myths About Brain Health and Men of Color and Stigma.
Stress
Stress can take a serious toll on our minds and bodies, often leaving us longing for a calmer, more balanced life, yet unsure how to reach it. That’s where this stress roadmap comes in. It will help us discover the tools we already possess to release tension, restore balance, and create space for peace. Now is the time to let go, align body, mind, and spirit, and welcome the serenity that’s been within reach all along.
Student Mental Health
Meeting youth where they are is essential. Schools need strong mental health and substance use prevention programs, but lasting impact also depends on support from government and community partners. When we work together, we create a stronger foundation for young people to grow, heal, and thrive. Explore this important series to learn how collective action can make a difference in the lives of our youth. A Sampling of Topics: California’s New School Discipline Guidelines, Teens, School, and COVID-19, and SCOE Student Mental Health and Wellness Collaborative. Take the Schools and Youth Mental Health course to learn more.
Substance Use
This is a place to learn, grow, and take meaningful steps toward prevention. Here, you’ll find multimedia exploring substance use trends, prevention strategies, and early intervention, along with accessible resources created for those seeking support and treatment. Join this empowering community as we work together toward healthier choices, stronger futures, and lasting well-being. Get more info on our Substance Use page.
Technology
Media and technology shape much of our daily lives, but they also raise important questions about balance and well-being. When is it time to disconnect from distressing news? How do late-night screen habits affect our sleep? And what impact does constant exposure to violence in games and shows have on children’s empathy and mental health? While technology offers many benefits, it’s essential to use it mindfully. Explore this roadmap to discover how to create healthier digital habits for yourself and your family.
Therapy
Therapy — often called talk therapy or psychotherapy — is a proven approach used by professionals to assess, diagnose, and treat challenges related to emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. Through guided conversations with a therapist or mental health professional, such as a psychologist, we can learn coping strategies, build new skills, and address patterns that may be disrupting our lives. For many, therapy is a powerful step toward understanding ourselves and creating healthier, more balanced ways of living. A Sampling of Topics: Diet, Substance-Use, and Treatment Engagement for Management of Bipolar Disorder, Art Therapy, and Culturally Relevant Therapy. Find more resources for whole-person living on our Resources page.
Trauma and Healing
Our multimedia takes a whole-person approach, emphasizing prevention, early intervention, and the importance of self-compassion. Because trauma can leave lasting effects, we’re here to guide and support you as you build resilience, nurture inner peace, and move forward on a path toward healing.
Grow your understanding on our Trauma page. Take our trauma-related courses. Learn about trauma experienced by system-involved youth through the Northern California Youth Listening Sessions produced by Mental Health California in partnership with Kaiser Permanente. Read the Project Report and see the Video Report on YouTube. Find more free resources including: What is Trauma? (Parts 1 and 2) and the Mental Health Impacts of Trauma (Parts 1 and 2) in our Learning Library. Sponsored by Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative.
Virtual Reality
Our virtual reality videos are designed to bring the beauty of art to life in a way that soothes the mind and melts away stress. Immersive and imaginative, each experience is paired with calming lo-fi hip-hop beats that set the perfect tone for relaxation and reflection. These digitally painted worlds invite you to pause, breathe, and let your thoughts drift as you explore vibrant landscapes that spark creativity and ease tension. Welcome to a roadmap that lightens the day. Take a peaceful stroll through the mushroom forest and allow yourself to simply be.
Youth Chats
Our Youth Chat series is a must-see, must-listen experience where young people, hosts, mentors, and clinicians come together to share stories, exchange ideas, and build lifelong tools for health and mental wellness. It’s a dynamic space for expression, learning, and connection, making it an ideal resource for both school and community settings.
A Sampling of Topics: Positive Mental Momentum, Pack Your Mental Health Emergency Toolkit, Trauma, Mental Health, and Me, How to Apologize, Less Overthinking, More Doing, Fear vs. Faith – How to Live Boldly, Choose Your Peers Wisely, and How to Cope with Stress, Anxiety, and Negativity.
In 2020, 44,834 people died by suicide in the U.S. More than 90 percent of people who die by suicide have a diagnosable mental health disorder, commonly a depressive disorder or a substance use disorder. The highest suicide rates in the U.S. are found in men over age 75. The suicide rate in young people increased dramatically over the last few decades. In 2020, suicide was the 2nd leading cause of death among 15 to 24 year olds. Four times as many men than women die by suicide. However, women attempt suicide 2-3 times as often as men.