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

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

Keep your brain active. Engage your brain. Your brain is the most fantastic machine ever created, and it needs to be exercised.

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

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.

There's real evidence that getting involved in charitable activity (and it's probably better to give your time and effort, rather than money) makes people happier.

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.