Resilience Tip #1: Build a Strong Support System
In the spirit of Emotional Wellness month, here is our first Resilience Tip:
Build a strong, but more importantly real social network and support system.
Having a good support system is extremely important when it comes to mental health. It is easy to get caught up assuming social media is a positive form of building connections, whereas it has been correlated with loneliness, anxiety and depression.
Focus on friendships with 1-3 people and make an effort to see and talk to them in person. The best way to start strengthening bonds is by reaching out, going beyond small talk and having a personal interest in the lives of those around you. Try making in person plans, there are a ton of fun things that teens can do outside of school to spend quality time. Ask them to grab a coffee, go to the pumpkin patch or go on a hike!
Of course it can be vulnerable to revitalizing friendships and open up, but all strong social networks require some effort, even if it means being uncomfortable. At the end of the day, when you are feeling down, what’s better than calling someone you can trust?
Pandemic tip:
Don’t want to participate in social group activities to meet new people or meet with friends? Support systems don’t only need to be close friends, they can be anyone around you. Connect with your local programs to see if you can get paired up with a Big Brother/Sister virtually during these circumstances.
These programs are filled with youth that have been through what you are going through and more than happy to be supportive. Another good source of help is through your certified counselors and professional coaches that understand your struggles as a student.
At Study Buddy, we always strive to provide a comprehensive approach to propelling students towards success. Our number one priority is your mental health, as the foundation of well-being, we are here to tackle difficult problems along with helping you achieve your academic excellence. With certified coaching for students, we want to help you tackle the pressing issues including the mental health crisis we are facing in youth today.
Contact us today to schedule a discovery call on how we can better support your needs as a student.