I'd like to add a few notes to those from your reader who tells us about her struggle with M.E.

A distressing illness - of the 'invisible' sort.

My sister had M.E. for many years, and suffered bouts of depression as a result.

Normally an attractive, kind and vivacious lady, her daily life was debilitated by this illness, which, due to her invisible symptoms, was a humiliating one too - people wondering what on earth she's moaning about when she looks so well. (Though for a certain period she was hardly able to walk).

My sister eventually took her own life. There are many 'invisible' illnesses, and my sister's sudden suicide taught me how much we need to improve our awareness of each other's quiet suffering.

Jola Malin

Stroud