I'm very sorry for your loss. I wish I could say something that would make this easier but I don't think there is anything that can be said to ease or quicken the emotional process you'll experience over the coming year.

I'm two weeks away from the one year anniversary of a friend hanging himself in my garage [on my birthday]. And it's still very hard. I can't imagine loosing a brother at such an early age. My heart goes out to you and your family.

A few small pieces of advice: - I found melatonin extremely helpful as a natural sleeping aid.

• Ask people you trust to monitor your drinking and drug use. It's very easy to fall into a habit of self medicating.

• Don't judge your emotions or the emotions of others.

• Spend more quality time with your loved ones.

• Keep him alive by keeping alive a part of him; his favorite pass time, hobby or sport.

Most importantly think of the good times you shared. He's gone but he need not be forgotten. Don't forget. You had 28 years with a very special person.