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

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.

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

Keep active - do something physical each day. Could be as simple as taking the dog out for a walk (if you've got a dog!), but could be going for a swim, or going to the gym every day.

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.

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.