Compass - ABC TV Sunday July 31st 9.40pm

Craig is working with beyondblue: the national depression initiative to get the message out that depression is common and effective treatments are available.

Craig Hamilton had it all - a successful career, home and family until he had a
severe breakdown and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. It was the beginning of a journey into the meaning of life - and being male.

Sports journalist and broadcaster Craig Hamilton was about to catch a train from his hometown Newcastle for the assignment of a lifetime, covering the 2000 Olympics in Sydney. By the end of the day, he'd experienced a violent psychotic episode and was in the high security ward of a psychiatric hospital. When he was diagnosed with manic depression, or bipolar disorder, Craig had to re-evaluate his life.

A country boy from the Hunter Valley who grew up in a world where men didn't share their problems, Craig enjoyed a remarkably successful life. He started work as a coal miner and pursued a second career as a talented amateur sportsman and later as a part-time broadcaster. The demands of his dual career, a growing family plus a hectic social life required almost superhuman energy and took its toll. His full time work as a broadcaster changed nothing and eventually he succumbed to suicidal despair. He was diagnosed as depressive oblivious to the mania that was soon to drive him to psychosis.

"Broken Open" documents Craig's profound transformation in the recovery from his worst psychotic episode. The experience has given him new insights into his own life and spirituality, as well as a deep appreciation of those who rallied to help a once proudly self-reliant man. He now believes that his terrible experience was the best thing that has ever happened to him

This program provides a unique first hand account of a rarely discussed mental health issue. It's a story told with courage and breathtaking honesty by a very engaging man.

Craig Hamilton's story "Broken Open" is published by Random House Australia, RRP - $24.95.