Welcome, everyone!

Today, we're going to talk about something really important for all of us: mental health.

When you hear the word 'health,' what do you think of?

• Exercising?
• Eating well?
• Feeling strong?

These are all about physical health – taking care of our bodies.

But there's another very important part of health...

Mental health is about how we think, how we feel, and how we act every day.

It's about:

• How we handle stress.
• How we relate to others.
• How we make choices.

Just like physical health, everyone has mental health! It changes over time, sometimes good, sometimes challenging.

It's normal to feel many different emotions:

• Happy 😊
• Sad 😞
• Stressed 😟
• Angry 😠
• Worried 😥

These feelings are a part of life. But sometimes, these feelings can become very strong or last for a long time, making it hard to do daily activities.

Many people experience mental health challenges at some point in their lives.

• It doesn't mean you are weak.
• It doesn't mean you are alone.
• It's like having a cold for your mind – it can get better with care and support.

Sometimes, feelings like worry or sadness can become bigger challenges:

• Anxiety: Feeling very worried, nervous, or scared often. Your body might feel restless, or your heart might race.
• Depression: Feeling very sad, hopeless, or losing interest in things you usually enjoy for a long time. It's more than just a bad mood.

It's important to know that anxiety and depression are real conditions.

The good news? They are treatable! With the right help and strategies, people can feel much better.

Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Just like we exercise for our bodies, we can use coping strategies to take care of our minds!

These are healthy ways to manage stress, sadness, and other difficult feelings.

Here are some ideas:

• Talk it out: Share your feelings with a trusted friend, family member, or adult.
• Get moving: Exercise, play sports, dance – physical activity helps your mood.
• Do what you love: Hobbies, listening to music, reading.
• Mindful Moments: Take deep breaths, focus on your senses, relax your body. (Let's try one together!)
• Sleep: Get enough rest. Your brain needs it!

Everyone is different. What helps one person might be different for another.

Think about:

• What makes you feel calm?
• What makes you feel happy?
• What helps you relax when you're stressed?

(Refer to your Coping Strategies Handout for more ideas!)

We have a special My Well-being Reflection Journal for you.

This is a private space to:

• Write down your thoughts and feelings.
• Practice using new coping strategies.
• See what helps you feel your best.

1. Mental health is just as important as physical health.
2. It's okay to feel many emotions.
3. It's okay to not be okay, and it's brave to ask for help.
4. There are many ways to take care of your mind.

You are not alone. There are people who care and can help.

If you need to talk to someone:

• School Counselor: (Insert Counselor's Name/Location)
• Trusted Teacher or Adult: (Mention specific staff if appropriate)
• A friend or family member.

(Mention any local/national hotlines or resources if appropriate for your school/district.)