Denise Welch says selfishness can help with mental health issues

Denise Welch thinks people with mental health issues need to be a bit "selfish".

The 62-year-old actress - who has spoken openly about her depression struggles - has offered some tips to people currently dealing with mental health issues, saying "self-care and retreating into your little bubble" can be beneficial.

Denise said: "I think that we have to protect our own mental health and be a bit selfish

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"I have to look after my family and make sure that they\'re okay ... but if I want to go upstairs and take some time out and have three hours watching \'The Real Housewives\' of anywhere in the world, I\'m not going to feel guilty about it.

"I think that self care and retreating into your little bubble - it\'s not to be pooh-poohed. That\'s basically how I\'ve managed to survive."

Denise also believes it\'s important to help other people.

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She told the BBC: "I do what I can in little bits, whether that\'s making a video for somebody or just checking in on somebody, or tweeting. There\'s a hashtag #ExcludedUK on Twitter and it\'s about all of those freelancers who haven\'t got any money.

"So if you have got a job, maybe take a little bit of time each day to see what you can do to help others, even if it\'s just social media awareness."

Denise admitted that at certain points in her life, she\'s allowed herself to be "overwhelmed" by her concerns.

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She said: "What I\'ve found that for my own sanity, is that I\'ve had to take some time in the day to allow myself to become overwhelmed with the worries of the world.

"It\'s not just the worries about family, it\'s the whole globe."