What do you do to improve your mental health?

The local library and library based reading groups are really important for mental health.  They divert attention of young people away from the manosphere, addictive computer gaming and dangerous online influencers.  Also great if there is a Foyle's or a Waterstone's in every town.

I try not to give in to despair, as this is the work of the devil. Having faith is very important for peace of mind. Trusting in God, that He knows us, loves us and that in all things, and in all ways, He works for the good of humanity. Suffering is temporary, even if it lasts years/decades. Where there is suffering, there is divinity. I try to draw comfort from the suffering undertaken willingly by Our Lord & Saviour Jesus Christ on the cross, and that he did it out of love for me (and everyone else). It can be hard to grasp/ comprehend, but it is very humbling and helps keep me grounded. I pray and try to enjoy Christian art and music as these are so beautiful and uplifting. I like the prayer attributed to St. Francis of Assisi. 

Mental health is something I’ve learned you have to actively protect, especially living in a fast-paced city like London.

For me, it starts with creating space. Even something simple like going for a walk, switching off notifications, or taking time away from constant noise makes a huge difference. Canary Wharf can be busy, but even there you can find quiet moments if you look for them.

Staying connected is also key. Whether it’s a quick call, meeting someone for coffee, or just checking in with people around me — those small interactions matter more than we think.

I also believe having purpose helps a lot. Working on projects, helping others, and building something meaningful gives structure and direction, especially during stressful periods.

When it comes to supporting others, I try to be present. Sometimes people don’t need solutions — they just need someone to listen without judgment.

At the end of the day, it’s the small daily habits that really add up. You don’t need big changes, just consistency.

Recently I have joined discussion groups on Ravelry which are about yarn crafts. It's lovely. These types of things must exist for other types of craft too. I recommend them. British Banter is a Ravlery board for us Brits in particular, and covers knitting, crochet, weaving etc. but also has strands where you can post about almost anything and get friendly answers. Everyone there is supportive!

I try to remain positive & focus on at least one good thing a day rather than something that may have not gone well. I try to get out into the open on regular basis - even just a walk down the road - it does clear your mind a bit & blows cobwebs away.

Maybe do something 'nice' for someone else: volunteer for a charity perhaps, give something back to your community. Or even just say hello to someone  

Personally? I improve my mental health by reminiscing about the life I could’ve had, had it not been for Labour/Conservative policies pushed through the UK Government—turning this “life” into a torturous, long‑running policy experiment in poverty, sanctions, and human rights violations.

Takes a deep breath and exhales.

There’s nothing more soothing and euphoric than:

1. A rogue, vigilante DWP work coach abusing public resources to leave me without an income for four months over things I expressed in my UC Journal;
2. Every law firm I approach gatekeeping legal aid—declining or ignoring my requests for representation to challenge ongoing human rights violations and submit a Judicial Review;
3. The Housing Ombudsman taking the scenic route to deciding whether accountability is even real, while I remain trapped in Sanctuary Housing under LHA limits and coercive low-income benefits;
4. The Mental Health Act being weaponised against me via DWP work coaches and the Metropolitan Police whenever scrutiny becomes inconvenient;
5. Loneliness, depression, and cascading consequences engineered by all of the above;
6. A lifetime of systemic and community-curated disadvantage—indirect abuse, harassment, and vigilantism—being socially rebranded as a “leech” without anyone saying it, just curating my feed to make sure I felt it;
7. A malicious “rainbow movement,” driven by extremist Labour-aligned politics, used to weaponise and exploit me, destroying my teenage years and compounding human rights violations;
8. Being cost a fortune in lifetime experiences and earning potential through engineered suffering, torture, hopelessness, and conveniently labelled “mental health problems” that derailed my health, dating life, career prospects, and finances.

Very therapeutic. Hugely restorative. Five stars.

Nothing says "mental health" like being driven into hitting rock bottom, spending a night in the ER, having legal action quietly blocked, or being told to budget, get a job, level up, or "voluntarily" enlist to the military

Creative Health is key both as preventative and curative models of care, this can be funded through community based arts initiatives across London. There could be a centrally funded Creative Health Access Fund that helps make this happen. There are already many initiatives that are happening that would need this support to grow and support local residents. 

I think this year's theme 'Small Actions for Others'  is a good reminder that simple gestures, like checking in on one another, can make a big difference to someone’s mental well-being. 

I spend time doing things that are good for me even if I don't feel like it e.g. swimming and yoga.

I feel connected to my community by volunteering.

I support my mother as her carer and work part time with adult social care.

We have an NHS and local GPs that cannot cope with the mental health crisis. People are fed medication that does not help resolve or improve people's mental health. There needs to be more availability of therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists that are available to all. 

Billions being spent on the NHS but mental health remains a hidden problem. 

When you have a local authority that does not respond to emails, letters or telephone calls but send you threatening letters that negatively impacts your mental health. When you attend their open days, speak to an individual and they do not respond back to you as they tell you to your face that negatively impacts your mental health. When the Mayor of London DOUBLES your council tax that negatively impacts your mental health.