Maintaining mental health has distinct similarities to maintaining a house.

And, arguably, approaching them both in the same way might have benefits, or at least prevent deterioration.

Foundations, even the most shaky, cannot be changed, but can be investigated, and in some circumstances patched or even mended. Difficult, as they underpin the whole edifice, and messing about can lead to disaster. However, knowledge of the strong and weak points can be useful.

Walls, the shell of our existence, built up gradually, can be torn down and replaced, but something need to hold the roof up meanwhile. We can improve our resilience, we can steadily replace wood with bricks, even granite, to deflect damage from the elements around us, but we must proceed steadily, bit by bit, and allow new bits to settle. Keeping ourselves fit renders us better able to withstand "The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune".

The roof. As the Beatles memorably sang, "I'm fixing a hole where the rain gets in, to stop my mind from wandering". Like many roofs with a multiplicity of tiles or slates, we can perhaps identify and fix the ones letting the rain in, before underlying damage is done. Maintenance is vital, keep checking and don't let things slip off gradually.

Windows, the most important perhaps, protecting us from the elements and yet allowing us to see, enabling  air to blow through and refresh our thinking. The greater our field of vision, the more chance we have of seeing the good bits, avoiding the temptation to draw the curtains and shut the world out. Observing the approach of, and avoiding, poisonous neighbours is of course allowed.

The fire within requires feeding with the right fuel, in appropriate amounts relative to the need of the house. Due attention must be made to regular removal of the ashes - nothing worse than a clinker build-up.

How are the Moodscopers property maintenance plans today?

Farmer Charlie Ret’d

A Moodscope member