SRSLY Manchester initiative offers mental health tips from teens to teens

Peer support, at a May 3 Mental Health event at Manchester Jr/Sr High School.

submitted by Alexandra Duranczyk, SRSLY Manchester

On May 3, 2023, SRSLY Manchester asked students to answer three questions about mental health. These questions were answered by 7th – 12th grade Manchester Junior and Senior High School Students. The goal of asking the questions was so that their peers could see the answers and apply the advice or positive coping to support their own mental health.

1. How students responded to Question 1, “Write a practice you prioritize each week to help your mental health.”
    “Mindful Breathing”
    “Journaling”
    “Eating a good breakfast”
    “Drawing”
    “Music and playing games”
    “Sleeping”
2. How students responded to Question 2, “Write a word of advice to someone who is struggling with the same things.”
    “You matter!”
    “You got this!”
    “Try to see the best in things”
    “Don’t Give Up”
    “Be yourself because you are the only you”
    “It’s a bad day, not a bad life”
3. How students responded to Question 3, “Write about the things that keep you going and lift you up.”
    “Friends”
    “Family”
    “Taekwondo”
    “Sports”
    “Pets”
    “Being outside”

For more mental health resources all year long, please visit srslymanchester.org or e-mail alex@srslymanchester.org.

About SRSLY
SRSLY’s mission is to empower youth to live healthy, substance-free lives by bringing the community together. SRSLY promotes positive family, school, and community involvement. SRSLY also works to limit youth access to alcohol and other drugs and to reduce parental and peer approval of youth drug use. SRSLY receives support from the Office of National Drug Control Policy’s Drug-Free Communities Program, the Coghlan Family Foundation, Chelsea Hospital, and the Five Healthy Towns Foundation. For more information, visit www.srslymanchester.org or follow SRSLY on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.