Your mental health matters every day!

Mental health isn’t just deep talks and therapy—it’s everyday stuff like managing stress, feeling okay with your thoughts, understanding relationships, and knowing when to take a break. Taking care of your mind is seriously powerful. When you’re doing well mentally, everything is easier.
Let’s be real about mental health so you can make informed decisions.

Just the facts:
Mental health

You're definitely not alone.

About 1 in 5 teens experience a mental health challenge like anxiety or depression. This kind of stress is an incredibly common experience that many of your peers are navigating too, even if they don’t always talk about it openly.

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Talking to someone you trust can make a big difference.

Getting enough sleep helps your brain eliminate toxins, enhance memory, and regulate your emotions, much like charging your phone overnight so it functions smoothly the next day.

Our survey results* help us guide our approach.

In April 2025, students in Meriden Public Schools grades 6–12 participated in the Youth Voices Count Survey* on youth lifestyles, substance use, mental health, related risk and protective factors. THE OVERALL RESPONSE RATE WAS 79%.

Almost three quarters of Meriden youth say they’ve experienced anxiety at least some of the time over the past year. Nearly 20% feel anxious almost all the time.

If you’re feeling stressed, you’re not alone! These are the top three sources of stress among Meriden youth.

Over a quarter of Meriden youth say they’ve often felt lonely over the past year.

*YOUTH VOICES COUNT | April 2025 survey
figures rounded to the nearest whole number

see the full SURVEY

Stress is real. Here’s how to handle it.

Name your feelings:

Say or write down what you’re feeling to calm your mind.
Take micro-breaks:

Pause for 5–10 minutes to reset with music, fresh air, or laughs.
Make a calm list:

Have go-to activities ready when stress hits.
Set boundaries:

It’s okay to say no and protect your space.
Shift your scroll:

Follow positive, uplifting accounts online.
Talk it out:

Find someone you trust and just start the conversation.

It’s your health—make informed decisions.

Your mental health is your strength. Knowing how to manage stress and recognize when you need help gives you real power over your life. Don’t let stigma stop you—being proactive about mental health means staying resilient and ready for whatever comes next.

Students! Get support + stay in the know.