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.

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.

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.

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

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