Sir, Many people will suffer from anxiety, depression or mental illness during their lifetime, triggered by past events, such as bullying; sexual, verbal, physical or psychological abuse; losing a loved one or seeing a loved one suffer a long illness.

There are many pressures put upon us, and very occasionally these pressures will overwhelm us. Everything can become a struggle, and as our problems consume us, we feel trapped and unable to cope.

This is the time that close family members and friends should support you, in any way they can, even if it’s only listening on the phone.

Anxiety, depression and mental illness are a part of life and we all need to understand that, from time to time, simple things prove difficult for us.

We all have weaknesses and strengths in different areas and sometimes we may need help through a difficult time in our lives, until the dark clouds lift and the sun returns. Life is a roller-coaster of emotions, with highs and lows. We cannot always control what happens to us.

C Friend Harwood Road East Hagbourne