Supporting Youth Mental Health Through Connection and Personalized Grounding

Register to join a live Q&A with Director of Curricula, Shayla Benson, all about Calm & Connected: A Guide to Personalized Grounding and Mental Health. April 22 at 11 am Pacific. 

Youth mental health challenges continue to impact young people at staggering rates. Increasing numbers of youth report experiencing anxiety, sadness, hopelessness, and other mental health struggles. In fact, nearly 40% of high school students report persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, a significant increase compared to a decade ago (Jenco, M. 2024, August 6). Recent data also shows that about two in five teens experience symptoms of depression each year (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2026, January 28).  

These statistics not only reveal a troubling trend, but they also highlight a reality that many educators, counselors, and youth-serving professionals are already seeing firsthand: youth need more support, more connection, and more tools to navigate their emotional well-being. 

But one important truth often gets overlooked: mental health support is not one-size-fits-all. Every young person processes emotions, stress, and experiences differently. Some express themselves through words, others through movement, music,or art. When mental health strategies fail to reflect these differences, youth may struggle to engage with them in effective and meaningful ways. 

Research also shows that connectedness is one of the strongest protective factors for youth mental health issues (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC),. (2024, November 29). Feeling supported by peers and trusted adults can significantly improve well-being and reduce the risk of poor mental health outcomes. When young people have safe spaces to share honestly, explore their identities, and build supportive relationships, they are better equipped to develop resilience and healthy coping skills. 

This is why fostering environments where youth feel seen, heard, and valued is critical. Programs that promote self-discovery, reflection, and authentic connection empower young people to build the skills  they need to care for their mental health now and in the future. 

To support this need, One Circle Foundation has written and released a new curriculum: Calm & Connected: A Guide to Personalized Grounding and Mental Health. 

“Calm & Connected was created to give youth space to breathe, to be seen, and to find tools that actually fit who they are.”  
— OCF Director of Curricula, Shayla Benson  

This 12-session activity guide invites youth to explore grounding strategies that align with their individual strengths, interests, and ways of learning. Designed for ages 11–18, this guide can be used with all OCF program models, including both gender-specific and all-gender groups. Through creative, reflective, and hands-on activities, youth explore strategies that help them regulate emotions, build confidence, and strengthen connections with others. 

Calm & Connected was developed with both research and real youth experiences at its core. The curriculum uses evidence-based practices informed by current data on youth mental health. Along the way, four partner organizations and 56 youth tested and refined activities, ensuring they were relevant, accessible, and meaningful in real Circle spaces.  

When youth are given the opportunity to reflect, connect, and discover their strengths, they develop something powerful: the confidence and skills to navigate life with resilience. Now is the time to empower youth with the tools and support they need for mental health. Explore Calm & Connected and learn how it can support youth in your community. Visit our website to get started and join others in supporting youth resilience.