WOW, your article on mental health "Mind Your Own Business," (WT, October 7) struck a chord with me.

I sailed along in life for 45 years coping - or so I thought - with everything. Very busy, active and happy.

One day out of the blue, I snapped. I was babysitting my two young grandchildren who were playing happily.

It was like a sheet of frosted glass came down.

They were looking at me with their angelic smiles and I couldn't respond.

What followed were months of staying in bed, avoiding contact with everyone including family and friends.

With help from my doctor, family, friends, counselling and medication, I finally returned to normal life.

My diagnosis was bipolar, which means I will have to take medication probably for the rest of my life, but I never want to return to that state again.

My advice to people trying to help is to keep encouraging the patient. It will take persistence but eventually it will penetrate the haze.

When I look back now, it's a miracle I still have family and friends who love me.

Name and address withheld