That she’s prepared to fight that private war publically is both remarkable and inspiring. The Wagga businesswoman today lays bare her soul on the pages of this newspaper, recounting her harrowing bipolar journey.

But despite struggling with the barrage of euphoric highs and crushing lows, her real message is one of hope.

The message to others living with bipolar is clear: if you seek counselling, if you understand your triggers, if you take ownership of the illness and take medication, you can take control of your life.

The community can also play a supporting role. Only by shrugging off our cloak of ignorance and fear about mental illness can we allow those afflicted by them to step out of the shadows.

Ms Brunskill has shown extraordinary courage to share her story –it’s time for us to do the same.