Start healing
Create your path forward and live beyond.
There are many ways to move past what happened.
Your first step towards healing is understanding if and how ACEs and toxic stress are showing up in your life. Learning that you have ACEs helps you understand your past.
The good news is there are proven things we can do in the moment to ease our response to stress, and longer-term solutions — like mental health support or treatment from a primary care provider — to help us in our journey to healing.
Everyday healing
There are lots of ways to a better future. Here are some healing strategies, also known as Stress Busters, that can help you get there.
Need help right now? Click here to find it.
See Stress Busters in action
Stress Busters can become part of your daily routine pretty easily — without the need for more time or money. Hear from mental health professionals and young people across California about their own healing habits.
Dr. Rachel Gilgoff discusses Stress Busters
Sharon shares about the supportive adults in her life
Need more help?
Stress-busting habits like getting a good night’s sleep, moving our bodies, and caring for our mental health can help us heal. And we don’t have to do it by ourselves. Help from trained peer supporters, mental health therapists, and medical providers is also available.
In California, there are many resources and people ready to support you on your journey to healing. Remember you have the power to choose the path that feels right for you. You are in control of your healing process, and help is available every step of the way.
Find someone who can help
Tips for finding who can help, what they do, and how to talk to them.
Plus, understand your rights in the process.
LEARN MOREIn crisis?
Get help now. If you’re in a crisis, having thoughts of suicide, or need someone to talk to, 988 can support you right now, and connect you with resources that can help keep you safe.
Share only what you want. Open 24/7 and 100% free of charge.
Call or text 988
Chat at 988lifeline.org
LEARN MOREBrightLife Kids app
Free and confidential coaching and resources for California families. Kids ages 0–12 and their parents or caregivers can access services in English and Spanish. Coaches are also experienced in LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities.
LEARN MORESoluna app
Free and confidential mental health coaching and resources for 13- to 25-year-olds. Chat 1:1 with a professional coach, use interactive tools to destress, and explore quizzes, videos, forums, and more.
LEARN MOREBooks for the journey
Explore these exciting fiction and non-fiction books about teens and young adults navigating messy situations and fighting for their place in the world.
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