[Insert simple title slide]

[Slide 2]

Introduction

• Mental health is an important part of our overall wellbeing • It can affects how we think, feel and act • Good mental health means we feel good and do our best to live our lives • Feeling down or struggling with mental health problems is a normal part of life • Learning how to look after our mental health can help us cope better

[Slide 3]

What is Mental Health? • Mental health is the wellbeing of our mind • It is the state of being where a person can cope with the challenges of life, can work productively and is able to make a contribution to his/her community • Mental health doesn’t just mean being free from mental health issues; it is also about feeling good, thinking positively and having the capacity to enjoy life

[Slide 4]

Why do we need to look after our mental health? • Mental health problems can range from mild, short-term problems to more serious, long-term problems • Mental health plays a big part in our day-to-day life, so looking after our mental health is important • Good mental health helps us to maintain relationships; to take care of our physical health; and to manage stress, anxiety and depression

[Slide 5]

How can we look after our mental health? • Stay connected with family and friends: Reach out to people can help us raise self-esteem and feel less isolated • Exercise and eat well: Eating healthy and regular exercise can help boost mood and help with concentration • Find purposeful activities: This can help provide structure, direction and encouragement • Opportunities to talk: Talking to someone and knowing there is someone else who is listening, can help feelings of loneliness, isolation or helplessness

[Slide 6]

Conclusion • Taking care of our mental health is as important as taking care of our physical health • Everyone experiences mental health problems differently, so it is important to have strategies that work for you • We need to recognize the signs of mental health problems and do all we can to look after our mental health, as this may help us lead healthier and happier lives

[Insert ending slide]