For tips & tricks in managing anxiety, depression and grief, check out GritX. This website, sponsored by the University of California, offers resources for teenagers to deal with mental issues in healthy ways.

Making and Keeping Friends

Be accepting. Not all friends have to think and act as you do. (Wouldn’t it be boring if they did?)

Be a good listener. This means looking at people while they’re talking to you and really paying attention to what they’re saying.

Don’t be a show-off. Not everybody you meet will have your abilities and interests, but that doesn’t mean you have to rub it in. (On the other hand, you shouldn’t have to hide your abilities in order to feel accepted.)

Don’t just use your friends as sounding boards for your problems. Include them in good times, too.

Do your share of the work. That’s right, work. Any relationship takes effort. Don’t always depend on your friends to make all the plans and carry all the weight.

Let people know that you are interested in them. Don’t just talk about yourself; ask questions about others.

Be honest. Tell the truth about yourself and your convictions. When asked for your opinion, be sincere. Friends appreciate forthrightness in each other.

When necessary, temper your honesty with understanding. The truth doesn’t have to hurt. There are times when frankness is inappropriate and unnecessary.

Reach out. Don’t always wait for someone else to make the first move. A simple “hi” and a smile go a long way.

Learn to recognize the so-called friends you can do without. Some people get so lonely that they put up with anyone – including friends who aren’t really friends.

PEEPS is an organization of students advocating for mental health awareness & an inclusive and safe environment for all Westy students.  PEEPS is open to all students & meets at 4 pm in B209 on Tuesdays.  If you have questions, feel free to see your counselor or one of the PEEPS advisors:  Mrs. Blankenship, Mrs. Ilk or Mr. Russo.