Talk to someone. If you let things remain in your head, they wreck your head. The simple act of telling someone else gives you perspective, relieves the tension and gives you a more balanced approach.

You are not your feelings. Even though feelings seem all engaging and can dominate our world, we have to learn how to befriend them, detach from them and let them come and go without getting caught up in them.

Act against negative tendencies. Keep doing the things that are good for you, especially exercise, eating well, getting good sleep, sunshine, prayer, meditation, relaxation, and staying connected. Just do it.

Practice awareness and gradual change. Being human means that we can’t suddenly fix things like a machine getting a new part. Normally we need time and practice to make changes, a process of small incremental steps.

Believe in the future - this won’t last forever. Having hope and perspective is an important thing for getting through tough times. See the beauty in small things and maintain a sense of humour.

Having faith or belief in a higher power is a key part of positive mental health. Believing that we are good, created by the Divine or whatever you believe God to be helps to build solid foundations and to be positive.

Springboards - Fr Chris Gleeson SJ