My big brother Alan, pictured above, went missing in 2006. In 2012, a walker found his remains beneath Edinburgh's Salisbury Crags. Alan had taken his own life, and his body had lain undiscovered for five and a half years.

Alan was extremely kind, creative, intelligent, athletic and funny. He made friends easily. Yet, at the age of 25, a period of depression got the better of him. 

The circumstances which followed Alan's suicide are somewhat unusual but suicide among people of this age is not. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of death among both males and females in the 20-34 age group. I could be wrong, but I feel that if there was a particular physical condition that was killing young people in our society in these numbers, then it would receive a lot more attention and emphasis.

Of course it's not just tragedies like this that need addressed. Lots of us could do with a bit of help with our mental health, which often just isn't available through the NHS. 

Mind do amazing work, campaigning and lobbying to make mental health more of a priority in the uk. If it were, we might all be a bit happier as a nation, and maybe even avoid some tragedies too. They also provide support to people experiencing a mental health crisis as well as other advice and help to those who need it.

I know the cost of living is biting. Chuck in whatever you feel you can. Absolutely all donations greatly appreciated whatever the size.

Sorry for rabbiting on.

Calum