According to the Tasmanian Department of Health, Having positive relationships with people like family members, friends and schoolmates lowers anxiety and depression. It also raises self-esteem. Feeling supported has a powerful impact on health generally. It’s linked to increased quality of life and a longer life span. 

Having friends is really important, but it can be tricky making friends as a teenager.  For more information you can read Rebecca Sparrow's book, Find Your Tribe.

There's no such thing as a perfect friend, but some friends are not really friends at all. If someone leaves you out, doesn't listen, disrespects your beliefs, feelings or opinions, is unkind, puts you down, isn't trustworthy, doesn't apologise when they've made a mistake, laughs at you, and isn't there for you in the tough times - you might want to rethink your friendship. Sometimes it's tempting to be friends with someone because they're popular, not because they're a good friend. If you're having trouble finding a best friend, focus on being a good friend to others. The true test of a good friend is that they encourage you to be the best version of yourself.

A quirky song about repairing a fractured friendship.

It can be hard to find your tribe or your squad in high school. Friendship groups change and morph and you can be left sitting on the sidelines. When my daughter was in high school she struggled to find her tribe - she was friends with everyone but didn't have a group of close friends. Now that she is in her twenties she has more friends than you can count. Remember that high school does not reflect what the test of your life will look like. If you're having trouble finding your crew, here are some tips: 

• Join a club
• Join a sports team - if you're not particularly athletic try something like ultimate frisbee
• Volunteer
• Join a youth group
• Get a part-time job
• Start a band

Rebecca Sparrow has a book called Find Your Tribe if you want more information.

My teenage self can totally identify with this song. I'm happy to say that my adult self found a tribe of like-minded friends.