People deserve to have their experiences understood in a genuine bio-psycho-social approach. All too often, this is ignored in favor of what is a very reductionist, bio-medical, model.

When people are in acute crisis, residential care may be needed, but this should not be seen as a medical issue.

Maintain your relationships - for all kinds of reasons, friends are vital. Good friends, supportive friends, friends who won't judge you or try to take advantage of you.

I believe that mental health services should be based on the premise that the origins of distress are largely social.

Many people are probably better off avoiding therapists and using the resources and support available to us in everyday life. But therapy can be a chance to think things through with a professional in a calm, supportive and nonjudgmental atmosphere, and that can be helpful.

Rumination tends to be eased if we learn to be mindful; if we are able to be aware of, and understand how our own thoughts work.

I think, in all honesty, the first place that someone in emotional distress should turn is their loved ones, and then to use professionals.