She Persisted

232. your school friends matter… here’s why & how to make them

She Persisted

Show Notes

in this week’s solo episode, i’m explaining why your friendships in school matter a lot more than you think! in this episode dedicated to the psychology of school friendships, i’m answering important questions including: is the quality or quantity of your friendships more important? how do your school friends affect your grades and even your future career? what’s the best way to make more friends at school?

i’ll also be sharing psychology studies, reacting to viral reddit and tiktok posts, and talking about my own experiences on how friendships are the key to thriving in school. so whether you’re starting college, switching schools, or looking to make more friends at your current school, this episode is your guide to finding the right friendships for you.

i talk about:

• why it actually matters to make friends at school

• how your school friends can impact your grades

• what to do if your friends are distracting you from your work

• friendships as a protective factor for your mental health

• whether quality or quantity matters more in friendships

• how popularity can affect your education

• the surprising key to becoming close friends with someone

• ways to become closer friends with people at school

• balancing friendships with other commitments

• figuring out which relationships to prioritize

• easy ways that i strengthened my relationships in school

• + so much more!

mentioned:

• harvard happiness study

• friends and grades study

• grades reddit post

• studying with friends tiktok

• school as a protective factor ep.

• transitioning grades study

• depression + anxiety study

• unreciprocated friendships study

• popularity + sleep study

• popularity + SAT prep study

• class participation reddit post

• close friends + mental health study

• making new friends ep.

• psych major tips ep.

• college regrets reddit post

🍿 subscribe on youtube

💌 ask me a question or leave feedback on the podcast!

@shepersistedpodcast

shepersistedpodcast.com

[email protected]

© 2026 SHE PERSISTED LLC. all rights reserved.

More from She Persisted

Oct 12, 2026

if you know what you need to do to improve your mental health, but struggle to implement these changes into your life, then this episode is for YOU.

Sep 27, 2026

are you currently at a low point with your mental health? do you hate it when people tell you “it will get better”— mostly because you don’t believe it ever will? in today’s solo episode, i’m answering the questions i had when i was struggling with severe depression and suicidality as a teenager. eight years after being hospitalized for my mental health, i’m looking back on the doubts and fears i had throughout my recovery and sharing what actually helped me get better. if you’re currently asking yourself questions like will i always feel this way? what if it’s not bad enough to deserve help? what if asking for help makes everything worse? then this episode is for you. i talk about: 00:53 when i was hospitalized for depression at age 13 03:00 what to do if you’re feeling hopeless about your future 07:30 how i started to shut down my suicidal thoughts 11:31 the mindset shift i made in residential treatment that changed my life 15:56 ways to make asking for help feel a little easier 22:31 my final advice for anyone who thinks it won’t get better mentioned in ep #263: IF YOU ARE IN CRISIS (via Nock Lab)... If you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, please tell someone who can help: • Call 911 for emergency services (in the United States). • Call 988 (the toll-free 24-hour hotline) to reach a trained counselor. • Go to a hospital emergency room. Ask a friend or family member to be with you or help you make these calls or take you to the hospital. If you have a family member or friend who is suicidal, do not leave him or her alone. Try to get the person to seek help immediately from an emergency room, physician, or mental health professional. Take seriously any comment about suicide or wishing to die. Even if you do not believe your family member or friend will actually attempt suicide, the person is in distress and can benefit from your help in receiving mental health treatment. 🍿 subscribe on youtube 💌 ask me a question or leave feedback on the podcast! @shepersistedpodcast shepersistedpodcast.com [email protected] © 2026 SHE PERSISTED LLC. all rights reserved.

Sep 7, 2026

want to hear an expert’s opinion on the teen mental health crisis?! today’s guest is dr. blaise aguirre—an assistant professor in psychiatry at harvard medical school in the department of psychiatry. he is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founding medical director of the 3east dialectical behavior therapy continuum of care at harvard affiliated mclean hospital.

Aug 22, 2026

why are some people afraid to ask for help, even when their mental health is getting WORSE?! today’s guest is dr. blaise aguirre—an assistant professor in psychiatry at harvard medical school in the department of psychiatry. he is a child and adolescent psychiatrist and the founding medical director of the 3east dialectical behavior therapy continuum of care at harvard affiliated mclean hospital.

Aug 7, 2026

if you want to learn more about how our generation can create lasting change in mental health, this episode is for you!

See all episodes →