The Midlands Alliance for Mental Health is to launch a campaign for positive mental health among teenagers next week.
A series of events and public displays organised by local groups will take place in shopping centres, and copies of a video made by young people for young people will be distributed in local schools.
According to the co-ordinator of the Midlands Alliance, Ms Fionnuala Colgan, the campaign will tackle the often forgotten minor issues around mental health, such as depression caused by relationships, exam stress and peer pressure.
"It is designed to promote a positive mental health approach in the everyday aspects of teenagers' lives and begins with the parallel between physical health and mental health. It points out that you can't have a really positive mental attitude if you are physically tired or unfit."
Ms Colgan stresses that the campaign and the accompanying video, which will be launched on Wednesday, are not intended as a foil against issues such as teenage suicide, although she acknowledges this is an important aspect.
"The midlands campaign is a result of a number of local branches of mental health groups in the midlands coming together, such as Bodywise, Aware, Grow and the Mental Health Association of Ireland, and forming the Midlands Alliance."
Many of these groups will organise local events such as an information display at the Bridge Shopping Centre in Tullamore. The Environmental Health Association will take clients of the Mental Health Centre, Mullingar, on a day trip to Athlone.
The video will be available in local schools and teachers will be encouraged to view it and discuss it with pupils.
For further information contact Ms Colgan on 0506-27444.