Mental health is in crisis. The number of children with severe mental health problems has reached record levels in England.¹ One in eight American adults is now taking antidepressantsMedications that can be used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, although they are not the only treatment option. .² One in three women in the UK report daily feelings of sadness - exceeding the rate of most European neighbours.³

Doctors disagree over the cause of this crisis. However, there is plenty of consensusGeneral agreement. It was originally a Latin word. about the best ways to improve wellbeing. Here are seven key tips:

Spend time in nature. Surveys show that time in gardens, parks and the countryside makes people calmer, less anxious and more hopeful about the future. "Connecting with nature is critical," claims the Mental Health Foundation.⁴

Exercise often. Movement - whether dancing, playing sports, or simply taking a walk - releases "feel good" hormonesChemicals created inside living creatures. They are used to send messages from one part of the body to another. and reduces stress. "Exercise can be the best antidepressant," argues psychologistSomeone who studies the mind, emotions and behaviour. Susan Pinker.⁵ The theme of this year's MHAW is movement.

Socialise offline. Spending time with friends reduces feelings of loneliness and unhappiness. By contrast, people who spend a lot of time on social media report worse mental health outcomes, with lower wellbeing and self-esteemBelief and confidence in your own value and abilities. .⁶

Prioritise sleep. People with good sleep hygiene have a routine that improves the quality of their rest. They also have a better overall mood, because of the strong link between good sleep and mental health. "Sleep is your superpower," says respected HarvardA top US university, founded in 1636. doctor Matt Walker.

Find time to meditate. Reduced stress, increased attention, better sleep, less anxietyA feeling of unease or worry. It can be mild or very severe., less depressionLow mood that affects someone's daily life, and can last for weeks or months.... daily meditation can transform your mental and physical wellbeing.⁷

Make plans for the future. Having something to look forward to can increase motivation and create a sense of optimism. Whether a holiday at the end of term, or a piece of chocolate at the end of the day, plans give a purpose to people's lives.

Acts of kindness. Generosity towards friends, family and strangers can improve your sense of competence and connection. "Kindness in an antidoteA cure for something. It originally meant a medicine against poison. to isolation," according to research from the Mental Health Foundation.⁸

Unhappiness is impossible to escape. Rather than people avoiding experiences that might make them unhappy, it is better to learn ways of coping in tough times.

Can we learn resilience?

Yes: The mind is a muscle. If people perform the right exercises, they will find themselves stronger when things go wrong. Resilience is a skill that anyone can learn.

No: The more people talk about wellbeing, the worse their outcomes. Feeling sad or lonely or lost is part of everyday life. It is a mistake to always treat these feelings as mental health problems.

Or... Not everyone has the chance to exercise, or sleep well, or spend time with friends. We also need to create a society without sickness, poverty and isolation.