You don’t have to face the new school year alone — your support network is closer than you think.
August means back-to-school season, and with it comes a swirl of emotions — excitement, anxiety, hope, and sometimes dread. According to the CDC, more than one in three high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in recent years. The transition back to school is a critical moment for teen mental health, and having a support network in place can make all the difference.
MY FAVE FIVE was designed with you in mind. Whether you’re heading into a new school, reconnecting with friends, or navigating social pressures, these five actions will help you build a support system that’s strong, real, and ready when you need it most.
Action Steps for August
1. Name Your Five
Who are the people you trust? They might be friends, family members, a coach, a counselor, or even a neighbor who always has your back. Naming them makes your support system tangible — not just an idea, but a real group of people you can turn to. Research shows that teens who can identify trusted adults and peers cope better with stress.
Action step: Open the MY FAVE FIVE app and add five people to your star before the first day of school. Include at least one person outside your friend group — a family member, mentor, or counselor.
2. Send a Check-In
Starting a new school year can feel isolating, especially if your friend group has shifted. A quick check-in with someone — even just “Hey, how’s your summer been?” — can reopen a connection and remind both of you that you’re not alone. Being the one to reach out takes courage, and that courage matters.
Action step: Use the app to send a check-in message to one of your FAVE FIVE this week. It doesn’t have to be deep — just let them know you’re thinking about them.
3. Morning Mindfulness Reset
The first few minutes of your day set the tone for everything that follows. Instead of reaching for your phone and scrolling into stress, try starting with a moment of stillness. A morning mindfulness practice — even just one minute of deep breathing — can help you walk into school feeling grounded and ready.
Action step: Set your alarm two minutes earlier and use the breathing exercise in the MY FAVE FIVE app before you start your day. Try it for five school days in a row and see how it feels.
4. Find Your Coping Style
Everyone handles stress differently, and that’s okay. Some people need to move their bodies, others need to write things down, and some need to talk it out. The key is knowing what works for you before the pressure hits. Having a coping strategy ready means you’re not scrambling when things get hard.
Action step:Explore the coping strategies in the app and pick two that match your style. Write them on a sticky note and put it somewhere you’ll see it — your locker, your phone case, or your mirror.
5. Map Your Network
Your support network is bigger than you think. Beyond your closest five, there are teachers, coaches, school counselors, and community members who care about your well-being. Mapping your wider network helps you see that support isn’t just one person — it’s a web of people ready to catch you.
Action step: Grab a piece of paper and draw your support web — your FAVE FIVE in the center and other trusted people around them. Use the personal growth section of the app to reflect on how your network supports your resilience.
You’ve Got This — and You’ve Got People
Starting a new school year is a fresh beginning, and it’s also a chance to invest in the relationships that keep you strong. You don’t have to have everything figured out. You just need to know who your people are — and let them know you’re one of theirs, too.
Open the MY FAVE FIVE app today and build your star before the bell rings. This year, you’re not doing it alone.
Remember: If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit their website for online chat options.
