The Weekly Update

The Voice in Your Head: Friend or Bully? 🗣️🧠

With Valentine’s Day coming up, there is a lot of talk about relationships. But the longest relationship you will ever have is the one with yourself.

When you make a mistake—like failing a quiz or saying something awkward—what does that voice in your head say? Is it mean? Would you let a friend talk to you like that?

The Science: The Inner Critic 📉

We all have an "Inner Critic." Biologically, this is your brain trying to protect you from making mistakes again. But often, it goes overboard.

The Data: Research on Self-Compassion shows that people who are kind to themselves after a failure are actually more likely to try again and succeed than those who beat themselves up.
The Takeaway: Being mean to yourself doesn't make you work harder; it just drains your battery.

Weekly Challenge: The "Best Friend" Test 🤝

Next time you mess up or feel embarrassed this week, pause and catch that negative thought.

Ask yourself: "If my best friend came to me with this exact problem, what would I say to them?"

You wouldn't say: "Wow, you're so stupid, you always fail."
You WOULD say: "That sucks, but it's just one test. You'll get it next time."

The Challenge: Talk to yourself like you talk to your friends.

Resource Corner: Be Kind to Your Mind 💙

Negative self-talk can be hard to break, especially if you are dealing with depression. We can help you retrain that voice..

School Counselor: Grant Sparks (766-3410)/Christine Harrell (766-3407)
Mental Health Support: Shannon Krenek, LCSW (766-3379) - Leave a note if Ms. Shannon is not in. She would love to meet you.
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988.

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