ABSTRACT
A "stepped care" approach to mental health is becoming the norm within National Health Service. What this means is that there are various steps to be taken in assisting people with their mental health issues. The first step is usually a combination of "watchful waiting" by the GP. Initial explorations of self-help will ideally happen before individuals are referred to a counsellor, or while they are waiting for their first appointment. Once they get to see a counsellor, s/he will probably check what individuals have done already with regard to this first step, and, if nothing, then may recommend it. These weeks of waiting can thus be put to very good use. Within this self-help first step, there are five main areas of really important activity: exercise, relaxation, information, social prescribing, and general. Medication for mental health issues can have some drawbacks. The first is that a medical treatment is often being used for a non-medical problem or life issue.
