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Sources & References for Our Mental Health Awareness Curriculum
Our workshops are built from public-domain mental health information, evidence-based psychological principles, and nationally recognized guidelines. We do not use proprietary, for-profit curricula or copyrighted textbooks.
This page provides an overview of the key organizations, frameworks, and public resources that inform our content. These links are offered so learners, parents, and community partners can explore the original public information and deepen their understanding.
Primary Public Health Sources
These U.S. public health agencies provide free, public-domain information about mental health, stress, coping, treatment, and crisis support. Our curriculum draws from their educational guidance and terminology.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Provides public information on mental health, stress, coping skills, and how communities can promote emotional well-being.
Visit CDC Mental HealthNational Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
Offers education on conditions such as anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and more, including signs, symptoms, and treatment options.
Visit NIMH Health TopicsSubstance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Provides information on mental health, substance use, trauma-informed care, and community-based support services.
Visit SAMHSA Mental HealthU.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
HHS provides broad public health education, including wellness promotion, prevention, and access to care across the United States.
Visit HHS Mental Health PageEvidence-Based Psychological Frameworks
Our curriculum reflects widely taught, evidence-based frameworks in psychology and mental health education. These concepts are part of the scientific literature and are not owned by any single organization.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) concepts, including cognitive distortions, the thought–emotion–behavior model, and basic coping strategies.
- Resilience theory, emphasizing strengths, protective factors, and skills for bouncing back from challenges.
- Stress and coping models, including fight–flight–freeze responses and practical coping tools.
- Trauma-Informed Care principles focused on safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment.
- Social and emotional learning skills such as emotional awareness, self-management, and relationship skills.
Wellness Models and Mind–Body Practices
In addition to clinical concepts, our content incorporates whole-person wellness models and practical, everyday tools for maintaining mental health.
- Eight Dimensions of Wellness (popularized by SAMHSA), including emotional, physical, social, intellectual, financial, occupational, environmental, and spiritual wellness.
- Mind–body practices such as breathing techniques, grounding exercises, movement, and relaxation skills.
- Sleep hygiene and daily routines that support mood and overall well-being.
- Healthy lifestyle choices, including nutrition, hydration, and limiting substance misuse.
Crisis & Support Resources
Our curriculum is for education and awareness and is not a substitute for professional diagnosis, treatment, or emergency care. In a mental health crisis, individuals should seek help immediately from qualified professionals or emergency services.
In the United States, you can contact:
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988, or chat via the official website.
How We Use These Resources
Our team reviews public health guidance, educational materials, and psychological frameworks and then translates them into:
- Plain-language explanations appropriate for community education.
- Workshops, activities, and examples that are culturally aware and practical.
- Summaries and visuals designed to make complex concepts easier to understand.
All content is intended for general education and outreach. Individuals with personal mental health concerns are encouraged to speak with a licensed professional for assessment and care.