#friends

Have you ever been sad? Friends, like pets, are a big help… but we can’t bring our pets to school. Sometimes the most unexpected relationships in school form through topics discussed in class. Your closest friends can be your biggest supporters, and who doesn’t need support in school? Through good and bad you can always count on your friends, to be there for you when you need and tell you what you need to hear. I don’t think anyone should live without a friend.

An example of how having friends benefits students is this research study on young teenagers in the Netherlands. The study discovered that teenagers with more friends within their classes can help students avoid internalizing mental health symptoms. Adolescence is a crucial part of everyone's life, and if you do not have friendships that will support you through that transition you are more inclined to suffer from mental health struggles. Having people to talk to who can help and support you is a really good part of life, but sometimes it's not something that you can get over, such as if it is “genetic”, like depression. Depression is a very serious mental issue that is not something that can essentially be cured with friendships, but having close friends can certainly make life a little easier.

Friend consoling friend.

Best Buddies International is a nonprofit creating friendships, jobs, leadership opportunities, and support for people with disabilities. Anthony Kennedy Shriver, founder of Best Buddies International, has emphasized the transformative impact of creating inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. He has said, "The need is so enormous... there’s a great opportunity to make a difference, so I’m grateful for that." Not only is this an organization for finding friends throughout high school it also provides homes, employment, and provides leadership opportunities for people with disabilities, like down syndrome and other intellectual disabilities.

According to a study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry, the genetic features of teenage friends can have an impact on one's long-term health. Using data from over 1.5 million Swedes, researchers discovered that friends' tendency to experience substance misuse or mental health difficulties may increase the probability of experiencing related issues. The greatest major effect occurred between the ages of 16 and 19, indicating the importance of peer influence on long-term health. This study shows how social relationships influence one's health.

I (Erika) met Melo, Emma, Ashlynn, and Katie in second grade at Conte Community School. We sat together in class, sharing crayons and stories. Little did I know that our friendship would grow into something special, lasting all the way through senior year. Throughout elementary school, we were inseparable, playing games at recess, talking too much and driving teachers crazy, and supporting each other through everything. As we entered middle school, we faced changes, but no matter what, we always found our way back to each other. High school brought its own challenges like making new friends, tough classes, and growing up. But our friendship stays strong. We helped each other through breakups, stressful exams, and all the ups and downs of teenage life. Looking back, I realize how rare and precious these bonds are. We've laughed, supported, and grown together. Even though we’re all heading in different directions after graduation, I know we’ll always have each other's backs. Our friendship, built over years and years of our lives, will last no matter where life takes us.

Three work buddies at Taconic High School keeping each other happy.

Students were able to interview a few peers and faculty members at Taconic High School about friendship and its role in maintaining their mental health. Cheyann G., a senior softball player and health tech student, said “Friendship is critical when it comes to mental health in school because it helps to have people you can relate to and go to when you need somebody”. Mr. Marco Gomez, a chemistry and engineering teacher, said that friendship impacts mental health because “humans need other people to be happy and feel secure” and said that without friends it could leave you feeling alone and with nobody you can confide in. Coach Codey, mentioned that friendship was important because it gives you something or someone to look forward to seeing and gives you another reason or motivation to go to school

Skills USA, while mainly known as an organization that helps students prepare and excel in their careers, also helps with talking to someone new, making a new friend, building confidence, and connecting with them while working together as a team. These ties create a supportive network in which individuals can encourage and challenge one another to grow personally and professionally. Building friendships via SkillsUSA builds a sense of community, which is good for mental health since it reduces loneliness and promotes a positive approach. Trust and camaraderie developed through these interactions can offer emotional assistance during challenging times. Some of us have made an incredible connection through SkillsUSA at our state’s competition. The relationships formed within SkillsUSA contribute to a stronger sense of well-being and resilience when confronted with life's obstacles.

Two best buddies sitting, talking, and smiling together

It's clear that everyone needs a friend to uplift you when you're down, and support you through rough times. It doesn't really matter how long you've had your friends, but how much you can trust them to be there for you, whether it be within an organization, where you can count on your peers to help you out or having friends in school which gives students a reason to go to school. Knowing you have friends you can trust can change someone's perspective on life and give them a reason to keep pushing forward. You should be able to tell your friends anything and everything because when it comes to friendship all you need is someone to have your back.