We must be less insular

DR Des Spence (“Mental health is at crisis point… hope lies in rebuilding our sense of society”, The Herald, April 30) flags up the nation’s lifestyle choices which are ultimately affecting the mental health of this generation.

Having a purpose in life, a meaningful job, even if it is not particularly well paid, is a reason to get up in the morning. To feel valued and needed is important.

As far as leisure time is concerned, taking part in sports like bowling, golf or tennis and becoming a member of a club widens social opportunities.

Sadly many of these organisations are going to vanish through time if they are not used.

We are increasingly becoming insular in our behaviours, with online shopping, social media, even home exercise devised online all adding to the decline of mental health in our country.

Looking long and hard at ourselves would be a first step in the right direction.

Sheila Kerr, Newton Mearns.