Mental health is in crisis. Across Europe and America, people are struggling to cope. Children, in particular, seem to be suffering.

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. , and one in five have recently received some kind of mental health care.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. Scientists blame technology, or the pandemic or the news cycle. Some even argue that a growing awareness of mental health is behind the numbers.

However, there is plenty of consensus about the best ways to improve wellbeing. Here are seven top tips:

Spend time in nature. For much of history, humans have lived close to nature. Perhaps that's the reason why 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. Most people know that exercise is good for physical health, but it is also beneficial for mental health. 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 psychologist Susan Pinker.⁵ The theme of this year's MHAW is movement.

Socialise offline. Spending time with friends reduces feelings of loneliness and unhappiness. However, a growing amount of research shows the importance of socialising in person. By contrast, people who spend a lot of time on social media report worse mental health outcomes, with lower wellbeing and self-esteem.⁶

Prioritise sleep. People with good sleep hygiene have a routine that improves the quality of their rest. For example, they might avoid caffeine, TV screens and strong lights before bed. 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. For many people, meditation is a kind of medicine. 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. When depressed, it is easy to forget about other people. But acts of kindness for 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. Life is unpredictable and disappointment is inevitable. Rather than people trying to avoid 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.