Along with everyone else in our English class I witnessed a popular, friendly and perpetually cheerful teacher having a nervous breakdown in front of our horrified eyes. The poor man became completely unhinged within a matter of minutes and had to be forcibly restrained and led away by two burly P.E. teachers.

We were told a few weeks later that he had committed suicide.

The whole episode was shocking and very distressing, but it taught me that people are not always what they seem.

And it also taught me compassion and tolerance. Because of this deeply upsetting incident, I find I can recognise the signs of suffering behind the 'brave face' so many people put on in their daily lives.