IT SEEMS that it always takes the death of a celebrity for us to sit up and take notice of our own mental health.

I'm sure all will have heard something about Frightened Rabbit frontman Scott Hutchison, who took his own life recently.

This poor soul is, however, just one face in a crowd of people struggling with a truly horrible affliction that needs to be addressed.

There are literally thousands of men out there dealing with serious internal conflict with no one to turn to and no inclination to seek help.

I know from personal experience that talking can make a difference. Saying things out loud can have a remarkable positive impact on dealing with any problem.

In terms of my own mental health, I felt it was the holding things inside that made me worse, as opposed to the issues that upset me in the first place.

I had seen the Alloa Advertiser is asking for people in Clacks to come forward and tell their tales, but I wasn't even sure what to say. I too feel like just one face in the crowd.

But some of the things I have read from others sharing their experiences has made me think. It has brought some comfort to me but also shows us all, hopefully, the extent of this issue.

Scott's death – though awful – may finally help a lot of people, though mostly men, confront their own unhappiness and their own illness and maybe, just maybe, turn a corner in their own lives.

I just want to encourage those living in this county to come forward. I know I see you every day; we walk past each other and I wonder how many people I see are dealing with the same issues as I am.

And if there is a common pain – we shouldn't keep it inside.

Also, I notice that it is mental health awareness week. It seems to me that there is much coming together and there is a huge spotlight on our mental health. Let's use it wisely. Let's look out for each other. In the very least we should ask our nearest and dearest how they are.

I guess such a small gesture really could save a life.