From March 16th a new service will be on hand to give men and women relationship advice via text message, potentially saving money on phone bills and cutting out the need to have a chat with someone.

Called Text Tonic, the initiative was founded by psychologist Mandy Kloppers and will be run by mental health professionals and offer tips on everything from tricky relationships to low self-esteem and stress management.

The advice offered is based on and influenced by the positive psychology school of thought along with cognitive-behavioural therapy and brief solution-focused interventions.

"A problem shared is a problem halved. A service for those who want immediate feedback on issues they are facing in life. Text Tonic offers a fresh perspective and endeavours to reply within two hours," the founder claims.

In related news, psychologists from the University of Utah have found that a stressful marriage can increase the risk of depression in both men and women while also contributing to metabolic syndrome in women.