Blog

“Out of the Dark: Cal Calamia” World Premieres as Official Selection of the Tribeca Film Festival

Well Beings’ latest installment of the “Out of the Dark” short film series will make its world premiere this year at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival.

On Our Minds: How to Manage Climate Anxiety

Sophia Kianni talks to Bree and James about why she started an organization dedicated to translating climate information and resources.

Protected: Sky Blossom: Meet the Grier Family

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Protected: Sky Blossom: Meet the Allen Family

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On Our Minds S4 Ep 9: How Legislation Affects Teens

In this episode, students discuss critical race theory, anti-LGBTQ bills, and also legislation helping students’ mental health.

On Our Mind Speaks With The U.S. Surgeon General On Youth Mental Health

On Our Minds talks to Surgeon General, Dr. Vivek Murthy about his mental health as a teenager and tips for combating loneliness and isolation.

On Our Minds S4 Ep 4: Masculinity is More Than Being Macho

Part of PBS Student Report Labs On Our Minds Podcast Series American men are stuck in what’s being called a “friendship recession.” In this episode, students explore what’s going on with young men and their mental health and how redefining masculinity could help. Click here for this episode’s transcript. Have a question or message for On […]

On Our Minds S4 Ep 3: Confidently Insecure with Lawrence the Band

Clyde and Gracie Lawrence (the brother-sister duo of the Lawrence the Band) talk about their family and how making music is therapeutic.

On Our Minds S4 Ep 2: How Music Boosts Our Mood

Students share what songs they love right now, and how music makes them feel and connects them to their culture.

Secure Firearm Storage is Key To Preventing Veteran Suicides

Many factors heighten the risk of suicidal behavior among Veterans, but access to guns significantly raises the chances of a fatal outcome.

On Our Minds Season 4 Ep 1: How Do You Define Success?

What does it mean to succeed at something? Teens discuss what success means to them and how their definitions differ from their parents.

Mental Health News Roundup

The Well Beings Mental Health News Roundup sheds light on the latest developments in mental health research, activism and legislation.

The Science of Setting SMART New Year’s Resolutions

Understand the science of setting successful New Year’s resolutions and applying the SMART goal framework.

988 Lifeline: Reimagining Our Mental Health Crisis Response System

Written by Tom Chiodo Contributor Developing documentaries & special projects for public media. Nov. 10, 2023 / Forbes In 2021, 48,183 people died by suicide in the United States. As the suicide rate continues to increase, it is more important than ever to ensure that everyone struggling with their mental health receives the support […]

Holiday Harmony: How to Peacefully Discuss Israel-Palestine Conflict

How discussing the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict with empathetic engagement and informed dialogue can help overcome divisiveness.

Artful Anxiety: 10 Artists Who Channel Stress Into Stunning Creations

Exploring the lives and works of 10 artists who transformed their stress, mental anguish, and existential unease into extraordinary art.

The Far-Reaching Impact of Global Conflict on Mental Health

Global conflicts, such as the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, have far-reaching impacts that extend beyond the immediate war zones.

How To Talk To Your Loved Ones About Suicide

National Suicide Prevention Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about suicide and help those struggling with their mental health.

Notice. Talk. Act.® at School for Parents & Guardians

Want to identify and support youth who have mental health concerns? Here are some great resources from Notice. Talk. Act.®

Goodbye to Season Three of On Our Minds

Ashley and Tyler are joined by student producers and SRL staff for a fun goodbye recording and celebration–reflections.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Resources to help you or a loved one cope with traumatic events and find hope and support with PTSD Presented by The Jed Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. JED partners with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance […]

Eating Disorders and Body Image

Resources to help you understand eating disorders and body image, how to get help or help others

Anorexia

Resources to help you understand anorexia, and how to get help or help others

Binge Eating Disorder

Binge eating disorder is often misunderstood or goes undiagnosed because it was only recognized as a stand-alone eating disorder in 2013.

Notice. Talk. Act.® at School for Educators

Want to identify and support your students who have mental health concerns? Here are some great resources from Notice. Talk. Act.®

On Our Minds LIVE from SXSW EDU Podcast Stage

On Our Minds hosts Ashley and Tyler record in person and in front of a live audience at the SXSW EDU podcast stage!

How Nature Helps You Get Outside of Yourself

Ashley, Tyler, and PBS Newshour student reporters discuss their personal experiences with being in nature and its benefits.

What You Didn’t Know About Adoption or the Foster Care System

How do family situations like foster care and interracial adoption affect young people’s well-being and sense of identity?

7 Pillars for Transforming Mental Health and Substance Abuse Care

Unified Vision is a strategic plan consisting of 7 steps that outline common goals and solutions to transform the mental healthcare system.

Gun Violence Surges In 2023: Resources to Combat This Crisis

Mass shootings killed and wounded dozens across the U.S on Father’s Day weekend 2023. Here are some resources to help combat this crisis.

How to Stay Safe in Hazardous Air Conditions

Here is a list of resources to help you navigate the far-reaching impacts of the Canadian wildfires on public health and the environment.

Education, Housing and The Pandemic

Brianna Ferguson, a senior from Peekskill, NY, shared her experiences with housing insecurity as part of PBS Newshour’s Student Journalism Challenge.

Forbes: School Board Asked to Do More After Swastika Found at High School

Isabella Caruso, a Sr. from Pelham, NY, shares her post-pandemic education experiences a part of PBS NewsHour’s Student Journalism Challenge.

Forbes: Making “Back to School” Better Than Ever

Sriya Tallapragada, a 10th grader from NJ, shared her back to school advice as part of the PBS Newshour Student Journalism Challenge.

On Our Minds: Tips for Time Management

On Our Minds hosts Tyler and Ashley talk to Dr. Lisa Damour about how teens can manage their time and improve their mental health.

On Our Minds: Hank Green and U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo Remind You to “Be Yourself”

Science content creator Hank Green and former U.S. Poet Laureate Joy Harjo talk about how to “be yourself” at SXSW EDU.

Heart to Hurt: How Not to Lose Yourself in a Relationship

Hear how teens break the cycle of an unhealthy relationship, find their own identity, cope with break-ups, and handle friends who trauma-dump.

What the LGBTQIA+ Alphabet Spells for Teen Relationships

Hear how an LGBTQ+ teen in Florida navigates the environment at school in the wake of the state’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill.

On Our Minds: How Poetry Lets You Be So Many Things at Once

On Our Minds host Ashley interviews one of her all-time favorite poets, Chen Chen. They talk about poetry, identity and sexuality.

On Our Minds: How to Identify an Unhealthy Relationship

Katie Hood and Collin McClelland from One Love Foundation teach Ashley and Tyler how to recognize unhealthy behaviors in a relationship.

Can You Spot a Bro Who’s Feeling Low?

Chances are, a man close to you is struggling with their mental health. Spotting the signs can make all the difference.

Have a Convo, Save a Bro

Someone going through a tough time might not talk about it even if they want to. The first step in looking out for them is reaching out.

Movember Conversations

Movember Conversations is a tool to help you navigate important conversations with any men in your life who might be struggling.

Climate Curriculum: Change Starts in Classrooms

Michelle So, a junior from Temple City, CA, shared her views on climate change as part of the PBS Newshour Student Journalism Challenge.

On Our Minds: How Teens Find Their Voice Through Creativity and Performance

Hear how poetry, dance, film, and theater have provided an outlet for teens to process difficulties and help manage their mental health.

LGBTQIA+ Youth Town Hall: Finding Wellbeing and Community

A Town Hall conversation, led by youth, for youth, to raise awareness about mental health challenges specific to the LGBTQIA+ community.

10 Actors Under 40 Who are Following in the Footsteps of Harry Belafonte

Here are 10 actors under 40 who are fighting at the front lines for human rights, and following in the footsteps of Harry Belafonte.

Wraparound Services Partnership Planning Guide

Use this guide when you sit down with a potential partner for providing service to your students and their families.

The Centergy Cycle© Training and Support Services

The Centergy Project’s mission is to make equity actionable by assisting schools to ensure all students have equitable access to resources, services, and opportunity.

How Jordan Chiles Had to Fill “The Hugest Shoes of All Time” at the Olympics

A student reporter speaks with Olympic gymnast Jordan Chiles about how she stepped in for Simone Biles to win an Olympic medal for Team USA.

How LeBron James Handles Stress

In this episode, students discuss mental health, the future of I Promise, LeBron’s favorite games and what he wants to be remembered for.

Why Teens Today Face Drastically Different Risks than Other Generations

New York Times reporter Matt Richtel about why there’s a teen mental health crisis and the benefit of putting experiences into words.

On Our Minds Podcast: How to Choose a Path After High School

In this episode, we hear from several teens on their post-high school plans — whether it’s college, trade school, a gap year, or going right into the work force.

PTA Leaders Call on School Board to Do More After Swastika Found at H.S.

For her winning Student Journalism Challenge entry, Isabella Caruso covered a PTA meeting held after swastika graffiti was discovered in a stairwell in her school.

Making Back to School Better Than Ever

Sriya Tallapragada’s reflection on student mental health won the Print category of the 2022 Student Journalism Challenge.

Building Happier: FOMO And Mental Health Among Teens and Adults

FOMO, Fear of Missing Out, drives the need for us to check our social media accounts but it often leads to anxiety and depression.

Back in School Toolkit

The Steve Fund’s Back in School Toolkit helps students of color find information to help maintain mental wellbeing.

Resilience in School Environments (RISE) Index and Action Center

Resilience in School Environments (RISE) empowers schools to create safe learning environments that improve emotional health of all students.

Feelings ID Card

This graphic provides a list for educators and students with some examples of emotions associated with our different mental states.

Resources to Support American Indian and Alaska Native Youth

We R Native is a comprehensive health and wellness resource for Native youth, by Native youth, providing content and stories about the topics that matter most to them.

BRAVE: A Flexible Mental Health Curriculum for American Indian and Alaska Native Youth

BRAVE lesson plans are designed for AI/AN teens and young adults to amplify and reinforce healthy social norms and cultural values.

Resources to Support American Indian and Alaska Native Youth

WeRNative is a comprehensive health resource for Native youth, by Native youth, providing content and stories about the topics that matter most to them.

Text “Mind4Health” to 65664 – A Tool for Inclusive & Holistic American Indian and Alaska Native Youth

Mind4Health is a text message service for caring adults to help them nurture conversations that build mental health.

In crisis? Call or Text 988

Important links to the 988 Lifeline website in both English and Spanish. There is also a printable poster available for download.

¿En Crisis? Llama o Envía un Mensaje de Texto al 988

Las personas pueden llamar o enviar mensajes de texto al 988 o chatear en 988lifeline.org por sí mismos o si están preocupados por un ser querido que pueda necesitar apoyo en caso de crisis.

RISE Podcast Ep. 8: Rise for Youth | Equipping the Next Generation

The RISE for Youth program seeks to bridge the gap between potential and the opportunity for greatness in underrepresented students.

10 Songs About Masculinity

Songs to help paint a broader picture of what the broad spectrum of masculinity entails, and dispel the belief that all of it is toxic.

Hiding in Plain Sight – Educator Discussion Guide

Watch Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, a film that features first-person accounts from young people who live with mental health conditions.

Hiding in Plain Sight – Full Film

Watch Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, a film that features first-person accounts from young people who live with mental health conditions.

RISE Podcast Ep. 7: Pride and Pronouns | Caring for Trans and Nonbinary Patients

A panel of Mayo Clinic experts unpack the medical importance of pronouns and why best practices in equity, inclusion, and diversity cannot be honored without using them properly.

Hiding In Plain Sight: Survivors Of Suicide Loss

Supporting a friend or family member who is grieving the death of a loved one caused by suicide can be challenging, but simply talking about the deceased person can make all the difference.

RISE Podcast Ep. 6: Is AI Biased? How Do We Fix It?

Artificial Intelligence is full of technological and economic promise, but just like its creators, AI isn’t free from subconscious discrimination

RISE Podcast Ep. 5: Black Men in White Coats

Listen as three accomplished Black men in white coats dissect the hurdles to medical school and representation in healthcare

RISE Podcast Ep. 4: Keeping Track | Data and Disparities

In this interview, Dr. Felicity Enders reveals how her behind-the-scenes medical research work is actually the frontline in addressing racism in healthcare.

Hiding In Plain Sight: Supporting Young Adult Addiction Care

An exploration of childhood substance abuse, the science of addiction, the stigma associated with it, and hope for recovery.

Hiding In Plain Sight: Gaming Addiction

Learn the warning signs to differentiate between a healthy gaming habit and video game addiction.

RISE Podcast Ep. 3: Beyond Men | Gender Diversity in Medical Research 

In this episode, Drs. Sharonne Hayes and Michele Halyard detail the deliberate exclusion of women from clinical trials, and the dramatic effects on health outcomes for women.

How Does the Brain Work?

Take an in-depth look at the parts of a neuron and how they communicate with each other using electrochemical signals.

Emotions and the Brain

This “Brain Break” activity facilitates a closer look at what is happening in the brain when someone is experiencing strong emotions and guides students through a short activity.

This is Your Brain on Depression

This interactive lesson plan teaches students about the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for teen depression.

Mayo Clinic RISE for Equity Podcast

Join leading physicians, scientists and innovators from Mayo Clinic and beyond in candid conversations about what it’s going to take to transform health care for a more just, more equitable future.

Mayo Clinic RISE for Equity Podcast: Episode 1

In a health care industry where Black people are statistically more likely to develop and die from many forms of cancers compared to whites, Drs. Folakemi Odedina and Alyx Porter are working daily on initiatives to close the gap

RISE Podcast Ep. 2: Saving Black Lives | The Cancer Care Gap

Spooky Songs for the Soul

We’re celebrating Halloween this year with a collection of scary songs — with a Well Beings twist.

Suicide Prevention, Pressure, and Positivity | Teen Mental Health Roundtable

Hope Givers is an Emmy® Award-winning PBS series that offers a treasure trove of free mental health resources for educators, parents, and students!

October 14, 2022 Press Release

BERKSHIRE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL & THE AUSTEN RIGGS CENTER PRESENT A SPECIAL COMMUNITY EVENT: “SHINE THE LIGHT” A SCREENING AND CONVERSATION ABOUT YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS AND SUICIDE PREVENTION The event will screen the documentary Ken Burns presents HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT, YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS, a special showing of the PSA, UP ON THE ROOF with Carole […]

Ryver Discusses Her Intrusive Thoughts: “I Am Terrified of Myself Most of the Time”

Our Turn To Talk explores how teens often have difficulty articulating their mental health needs, and how an attentive adult can help.

Inspirational Quotes by Trailblazing Hispanic-Americans

To celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, here is a selection of uplifting quotes by Hispanic-American trailblazers.

Destigmatizing Mental Illness

Destigmatizing mental illness can be as simple, (though not easy) as sharing your story. These courageous young teens have stepped up to the plate to voice the concerns of their community and the impact of these challenges on their well-being.

“Most of What We Need is Someone to Listen”

In Our Turn To Talk, teens and young adults share their personal relationship with mental health and the tools they use to help themselves.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Criminalization

Kevin describes the psychotic episode that led to his arrest. Learn more at pbs.org/plainsight

Hiding in Plain Sight: Medications

“Cymbalta is the one that’s like making my mood better and actually gives me energy. But I still get panic attacks.” Watch more of Billie’s’ mental health story at pbs.org/plainsight

Hiding in Plain Sight: Suicidal Ideation

Billie, Morgan, Ava, Yaadieah and Maclayn share thoughts that they’ve had about taking their own lives. Learn more at pbs.org/plainsight

Hiding in Plain Sight: Social Media

Teens discuss the bullying, pressure to meet unrealistic beauty standards, and FOMO that can be triggered by social media interactions.

Hiding in Plain Sight: Bipolar

Amethyst describes what it’s like to be bipolar. Learn more about Amethyst’s mental health story at pbs.org/plainsight

Hiding in Plain Sight: Addiction Crisis

Now Streaming on PBS Passport Addiction Crisis The US is in an ongoing crisis. Young people all across the country have been swept into addiction, with 50% of teens saying that they’ve misused a drug at least once. Learn more at pbs.org/plainsight This four-part, eight hour series follows the journeys of more than 20 young […]