Healing Through Connection: How Circles Help Prevent Youth Suicide

Through his work, he facilitates a variety of programs, including Circles. In his Circles, he creates safe and supportive spaces for young people to connect and grow. Oliver is a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, and provides providing representation and support for LGBTQ+ youth. He recently shared insights on how Circles can play a vital role in suicide prevention, offering connection, understanding, and hope to young people. 

In honor of Suicide Prevention Month, we asked Oliver: How has your Circle encouraged open and safe conversations about mental health or suicide prevention? 

“Boys and men are often told they are not supposed to feel emotions other than anger and apathy, and that even if they do feel other emotions, they are definitely not supposed to let others know they feel those things. This limits boys and men and is harmful to everyone. I think so many boys and men feel alone in what they feel, and that sentiment can often create a foundation for depression and suicidal ideation to form. I often wonder how all our mental health would improve if we shared with each other about our struggles, especially boys and men. 

I have had the privilege of facilitating groups of the Boys' Council curriculum, Growing Healthy, Going Strong, for elementary-aged boys in fourth and fifth grade. I love this curriculum because it does a fantastic job of addressing a range of topics that allow the boys to have conversations about things that are traditionally not socially acceptable to talk about as boys or men. We get to discuss things like their unique emotional experiences, how to have a healthy sense of competition, and the roles and boxes that boys are placed in by our culture at a very young age, which tells them the "rules" of how to be "real" boys and men. Having open and honest conversations about these topics and how they relate to our ideas of masculinity offers these boys the chance to connect with themselves, their other group members, and the facilitators in ways that they  don't  often get to in their daily lives.” 

Oliver’s experience shows how Circles give young people—especially boys and young men—space to talk openly about their emotions, challenge harmful stereotypes, and build connection. Breaking down these barriers is key in suicide prevention, creating room for empathy, healing, and resilience. 

To support facilitators, educators, and community leaders, One Circle Foundation developed the All Together Rising: Teen Suicide Prevention session. This session provides structured activities and tools designed to create open conversations around mental health and suicide prevention. 

Learn more here: All Together Rising 
For more information on The Council for Boys and Young Men visit: https://onecirclefoundation.org/the-council 

If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 (U.S.) for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or use your local emergency resources.