How much of life is about putting on a brave face and ‘getting on with it’? We’re all experts at living up to what’s expected of us, showing up and being excellent and good citizens, children, parents and professional colleagues. But, more often than not, one day something cracks and in an eruption of pent-up emotion or frustration, we lapse into something else, ditching the rules, slipping into anxiety, ‘madness’ or a nervous wreck, bundled up in bed, or even a seemingly reckless risk taker.

Having a nervous breakdown could seem like the ultimate calamity. Far from it. Handled correctly, it can be a unique opportunity to learn, hear important messages–and to get properly well.

Feature image: Tom Mumford.