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 general mental health. Get started today.
Click the graphics below. Our blog will do the rest. Use our multimedia for family, classroom, and community discussions at no cost. Please enjoy our blog, site pages, and on-demand tools and resources.
EDUCATION | ROADMAPS
GET ON THE ROAD TO BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
Start Using Brother Be Well Today
Brother Be Well is a multimedia mental health awareness platform. It is also a membership community for males of color ages 13+. We deliver clinical and holistic Prevention and Early Intervention (PEI) education and linkages to resources and care. Our blog, media, and tools are open to the public. Schools, community groups, families, and others are encouraged to start using our free resources today.
• Visit our plans page to sign-up for a free membership. 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.
• Click the graphics below and 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 heartbreaking to contemplate that sometimes children and youth face extreme trauma. Sometimes, the perpetrator isn’t the “stranger” down the street, but someone in his/her own family or circle of caregivers. If left untreated, Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) can cause a child to have a lifetime of mental and physical health problems. Click the graphic to follow this roadmap to learn about and overcome ACEs at any stage of life.
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 My Brother’s Keeper (MBK) Sacramento’s ACEs/ Systems Navigation Project with Brother Be Well, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente.
Behaviors
Sometimes, we don’t understand why we act a certain way. Perhaps something has been buried that we haven’t yet dealt with. This can cause us to act out in front of others. And, if a substance use or behavioral health condition hasn’t been adequately managed, it can make things worse. Watch/ listen to this important series including: Behaviors and Unresolved Trauma (Parts 1 and 2) in our Learning Library.
Conditions
Mental health conditions can affect anyone. When ignored, these may progress into serious disorders, impairing one’s capacity to live fully. We invite you to explore our extensive range of resources from clinical specialists’ insights to real-life experiences. Be aware of the various mental health conditions, including their symptoms and risk factors, plus learn about coping strategies and interventions. This knowledge will nurture your path toward a holistically healthy you.
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 impact is widespread. From the risks of transmission during the COVID-19 variant surges, to abrupt shifts affecting school and work-life balance, to triggers, isolation, mental health concerns, and more. Everyone is just trying to survive. We stand with you in these trying times and offer our multimedia, which includes a powerful collection of support from healthcare practitioners and health equity advocates. We invite you on this roadmap toward a better normal.
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 gift to the world. It can lift dark curtains from the windows of our souls. A spark of creativity can shift a mood and help us calm and heal. For many, art therapy is a resource to be utilized during trying times. Outside of therapeutic interventions, creativity can serve as a mindful activity, bringing greater focus to beautiful things to help center us each day. Go ahead, click the graphic to follow the creativity roadmap to greater heights.
Cultural Mental Health
We’re proud to present multimedia that grasps the importance of culturally-appropriate knowledge, practices, and services that promote mental wellness in BIPOC communities. Our contributors include healthcare specialists, therapists, wellness coaches, and youth representing Black/African American, Latinx, Asian and Pacific Islander American, Native American, and LGBTQIA+ community members within these groups. Join us as we tell stories from the people, highlighting the services they need in manners that are most culturally-representative of themselves and their families.
Empowerment
Are you in need of inspiration on the go? Our empowerment videos showcase experts and storytellers who will undoubtedly rekindle your fire. Get short doses of education and inspiration across a variety of subjects. This roadmap also provides techniques for getting out of a rut and back on track. Perfect for a quick classroom pick-me-up. A Sampling of Topics: Do Your Best, Constructive Daily Routines, Win the Day Wednesday, Train Positive Thoughts, and Acts of Kindness.
Exercise
Exercise is a boon to our mental health. Yet sometimes we feel demotivated and eventually give up. Know that we are proud of all the hard work you have put in. Now, let us help you revitalize your fitness journey! Our health experts and motivational speakers share valuable insights on how to build positive momentum, maintain healthy habits, and better understand the long-term benefits of exercise. Let’s activate those endorphins and make regular exercise enjoyable again.
Faith and Mental Health
Do you have an interest in spirituality? How does faith fit into the larger picture of life? See our multimedia to learn about the complements of spirituality and faith, and their impact mental health. Our clinicians and wellness advocates describe the fundamentals of faith and spirituality, breaking down their experiences, and giving tips for faith-centered, whole person living.
Forgiveness
Forgiveness is easier said than done. But it can offer long-desired serenity for peaceful living. We’ve got your back as you navigate this pivotal moment. The insights of our clinical advisors on the psychology of forgiveness, as well as the testimonies of our braveheart storytellers, guide you on how to take those first steps, and how to open yourself up to the beneficial mental health outcomes of genuine forgiveness. Watch the Power of Forgiveness Webinar for even more positive reinforcement.
Learning Library
The BBW 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, PowerPoint presentations, and other downloadable materials. The free tools are perfect for classroom settings when educators are short on time but big on student wellness and mental 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, Physical Health Impacts of Trauma, and When to Use an Emergency Room. See the full Brother Be Well Learning Library sponsored by Blue Shield of California’s BlueSky initiative.
Mental Fitness
Imagine achieving a state of well-being and living a life where you are in control of how you think, behave, and feel. Our clinicians and mental health advocates are delighted to offer you a comprehensive collection of multimedia that will guide you through the process of becoming the healthiest version of yourself, both physically and mentally.
Mentoring
A hand on your shoulder. A wise word. Someone to lean on. Our mentoring multimedia shares life’s lessons. Through our mentoring partnerships, we bring you the best there is to help pave the way to your greatest personal achievements. 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 fathers.
Mindfulness
Would you like to understand the relationship between mindfulness, meditation, and breathwork? If so, you’ve come to the right place. Mindfulness is a way to quiet the storm and stay present and away from the past and future. Learn greater focus and appreciation for whatever is at hand through our multimedia designed to transport you to a peaceful place.
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 affects our mental health. With direct correlation between nutrition, brain activity, and chemical balances, we must watch what we eat. Our experts, including plant-based nutritionists, healthcare professionals, and nutrition specialists, have you covered. Crank up the volume in your home, classroom, or community setting. We are about to deliver what you need for a holistic, healthy lifestyle. Click the graphic to get started.
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 mental 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 you better comprehend the science underlying physical health habits that result in long-term physical gains.
A Sampling of Topics: Let’s Talk About Headaches, Exercise, Nutrition and Sleep – the Three Pillars of Mental Health, 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 health 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 holds us back, representing fear of another’s judgment, ripping into who we really are and prevent us from moving forward. This roadmap comes to the rescue, leading us to conversations that bust through these barriers. Let’s hold hands as we learn to let go of the shame and fear associated with stigma. A Sampling of Topics: Debunking Myths About Brain Health, Men of Color and Stigma, and Bi-Erasure: The Invisible Letter in LGBTQIA.
Stress
Stress can wreak havoc on our bodies and minds. We crave a different lifestyle, but don’t have the tools to get there. All of that is about to change. Our stress roadmap will help you unlock keys you didn’t realize you were already holding. Get ready to let go. It’s time to lay it down and get your body, spirit, and mind aligned to accommodate the peace and serenity within reach.
Student Mental Health
We must focus on meeting youth where they are. It’s not only important for schools to have solid mental health and substance use prevention programs, but for government and community programs to support schools. We must all work together on behalf of our children. Learn something new in this important series. 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
You have arrived at a safe space to broaden awareness on the dangers of substance misuse. Explore our multimedia on substance use trends, prevention, and early intervention, as well as accessible resources for boys and men of color seeking assistance on prevention and treatment programs. Join this supportive community advocating for all in the pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. Get more info on our Substance Use page.
Technology
Let’s talk about the media and technology. When do we turn off traumatic news? What about using our phones before we go to bed? Can blue light really disrupt sleep? Not to mention the constant flow of instant notifications. Children who are exposed to violence on TV and video games are more susceptible to trauma, and may become less sensitive to the pain and suffering of others. Technology can be a boon, but it should be controlled. Deep dive into this series to learn what you and your family need to know.
Therapy
When it comes to mental health, therapy, also known as talk therapy or psychotherapy, is a method mental health professionals use to assess, diagnose, and treat concerns related to emotions, thinking, and behavioral patterns. It involves talking with a therapist or other mental health professional, such as a psychologist, and may include learning specific skills or coping strategies. Often, it is what we need to normalize behavior patterns causing issues in our lives. 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 is enriched with a whole-person approach that encourages prevention and early intervention, as well as tips for practicing self-compassion. Trauma can have long-term consequences, so we support you as you cultivate inner peace and 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 tailor-made to bring a touch of art to life, melting away stress in the process. Paired with cool lo-fi hip-hop beats, these digitally-painted scenarios captivate and inspire. Welcome to the roadmap that lightens the day. Take a stroll through the mushroom forest and relax. A Sampling of VR Videos: Mushroom Forest, Cattails at Night, Lightbeat, and Mystical Forest.
Youth Chats
Our youth chats series is a must-listen, must-see experience. A place where youth, hosts, mentors, and clinicians converge to give youth a place of expression while gaining health and mental wellness knowledge for life. Perfect for school and community settings.
A Sampling of Topics: Positive Mental Momentum, Pack Your Mental Health Emergency Toolkit, Manhood: The Real Meaning, Trauma, Mental Health, and Me, How to Apologize, Less Overthinking, More Doing, Fear vs. Faith – How to Live Boldly, Choose Your Peers Wisely, Distract the Distractions, Positive Self-Talk/ Mirror-Talk, 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.