There is a news item on the BBC web site today ('I worry about money every day') which is based on something from the mental health charity Mind who says that debt is affecting the lives of many people with mental health problems. The situation for some is bad enough that they struggle to pay for food and heating and some people end up on the streets.

I've been lucky and my current employers have been amazing but even so my money and job are right at the top of worries for me. At one stage the worry about work and money made my health substantially worse but luckily work took steps to reassure me. Once I'm well enough I intend to do some charity work for an organization that cares for homeless people as I reckon a substantial number of them probably have mental health issues and every time I see a homeless person I think that could be me.

On occasion I have considered giving up my life and just moving away to escape from everything and life on the streets seems like freedom and quite appealing but I then recall when I was 14 I had the experience of sleeping rough and although it was very interesting it was far from pleasant and that memory stops me from trying it again.

Have you ever stopped and talked to a homeless person (click on the photo for more info about Chris and Brandy)? You might be surprised how similar we all are.