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Broken Open: How One Man Stared Down His Demons to Recover from a Mental Breakdown
The true story of how ABC broadcaster Craig Hamilton stared down his demons to survive a mental breakdown.
Broken Open is the story of ABC sports broadcaster Craig Hamilton and how, on the eve of the biggest undertaking of his career, he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Instead of covering the Sydney Olympics Craig was confined to a padded cell in a mental institution and later diagnosed as suffering bipolar disorder.
This catastrophe not only denied Craig his place at the Games, it almost ruined his career and turned his role as devoted husband and father into a living hell.
From his initial shocking breakdown to his gradual and eventual recovery, Craig sifts through the evidence to identify the warning signs that might have told him he was in serious trouble. This trail identifies a family man who could be so typical of any of us. It illustrates that mental illness is not something that just happens to other people. It is an issue much closer to home and touches many more lives than we could ever imagine.
Broken Open is the story of ABC sports broadcaster Craig Hamilton and how, on the eve of the biggest undertaking of his career, he suffered a complete mental breakdown. Instead of covering the Sydney Olympics Craig was confined to a padded cell in a mental institution and later diagnosed as suffering bipolar disorder.
This catastrophe not only denied Craig his place at the Games, it almost ruined his career and turned his role as devoted husband and father into a living hell.
From his initial shocking breakdown to his gradual and eventual recovery, Craig sifts through the evidence to identify the warning signs that might have told him he was in serious trouble. This trail identifies a family man who could be so typical of any of us. It illustrates that mental illness is not something that just happens to other people. It is an issue much closer to home and touches many more lives than we could ever imagine.
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First published December 1, 2004
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About the author
Craig Hamilton
73 books7 followersCraig started his career as a broadcaster with ABC Radio in 1994.
Since then he has covered Rugby League, Rugby Union and cricket at international level as a commentator.
Craig is probably best known as a member of the "Grandstand" Rugby League commentary and has worked on the past 17 Grand Finals, State of Origin series and a number of Test Matches.
Craig was born and raised in the Hunter Valley town of Singleton and spent 16 years working as an underground coalminer in the Newcastle area before embarking on a radio career fulltime in 1999.
In 1991 Craig represented the Newcastle and NSW Country cricket teams, and played against the touring Sri Lankan team.
In the year 2000, on the eve of the Sydney Olympic Games where he had been assigned to work as a broadcaster, Craig experienced a psychotic episode and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
He spent 12 days in hospital and, since his recovery, has become one of Australia's most high profile speakers on Mental Health and Lifestyle.
In 2004 Random House released his highly acclaimed memoir "Broken Open" which gives a very personal account of living with Bipolar Disorder.
In July 2012, Allen and Unwin will release his second book "A Better Life"
Craig is now a much sought after motivational speaker around Australia who tells what it's like to battle a serious illness.
In sharing his story and experiences he offers hope to others.
Since then he has covered Rugby League, Rugby Union and cricket at international level as a commentator.
Craig is probably best known as a member of the "Grandstand" Rugby League commentary and has worked on the past 17 Grand Finals, State of Origin series and a number of Test Matches.
Craig was born and raised in the Hunter Valley town of Singleton and spent 16 years working as an underground coalminer in the Newcastle area before embarking on a radio career fulltime in 1999.
In 1991 Craig represented the Newcastle and NSW Country cricket teams, and played against the touring Sri Lankan team.
In the year 2000, on the eve of the Sydney Olympic Games where he had been assigned to work as a broadcaster, Craig experienced a psychotic episode and was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
He spent 12 days in hospital and, since his recovery, has become one of Australia's most high profile speakers on Mental Health and Lifestyle.
In 2004 Random House released his highly acclaimed memoir "Broken Open" which gives a very personal account of living with Bipolar Disorder.
In July 2012, Allen and Unwin will release his second book "A Better Life"
Craig is now a much sought after motivational speaker around Australia who tells what it's like to battle a serious illness.
In sharing his story and experiences he offers hope to others.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
March 31, 2020
Although I don’t follow football or any other sports I am familiar with the name Craig Hamilton. ABC broadcaster, commentator for Rugby League, Rugby Union and Cricket, also now one of Australia’s leading Motivational/Mental Health Speakers.
Just prior to the Sydney Olympic Games where he had been chosen to work as a broadcaster he suffered a psychotic episode at Broadmeadow Railway Station in Newcastle, he was transported to the James Fletcher Hospital maximum security lock down ward where days later he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
Sadly, he never made it to the Olympics. In this book Craig Hamilton gives an amazingly detailed description of living with bipolar disorder.
A touching read and fantastic story for anyone who wants to understand mental health disorders such as depression and Bipolar.
Also thoroughly enjoyed reading about his sporting and personal life.
*Book #51/72 of my 2019 coffee table to-read challenge, cont. 2020
Just prior to the Sydney Olympic Games where he had been chosen to work as a broadcaster he suffered a psychotic episode at Broadmeadow Railway Station in Newcastle, he was transported to the James Fletcher Hospital maximum security lock down ward where days later he was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder.
Sadly, he never made it to the Olympics. In this book Craig Hamilton gives an amazingly detailed description of living with bipolar disorder.
A touching read and fantastic story for anyone who wants to understand mental health disorders such as depression and Bipolar.
Also thoroughly enjoyed reading about his sporting and personal life.
*Book #51/72 of my 2019 coffee table to-read challenge, cont. 2020
September 26, 2019
An honest, detailed and helpful story of the mental health challenges of a public figure. I quite liked the perspectives of those close to him that were provided in the final chapters, and there are practical tips for good mental health that are provided.
September 1, 2024
A Shattered Life, A Resilient Spirit: Craig Hamilton’s Broken Open
Craig Hamilton’s Broken Open is a harrowing and deeply personal account of his descent into mental illness. The book offers a raw and unflinching look at the devastating consequences of bipolar disorder, a condition that nearly derailed his career and personal life.
Hamilton’s narrative is both heartbreaking and inspiring. He takes readers on a journey through the darkness of his mental breakdown, from the initial shock of his diagnosis to the grueling process of recovery. With unflinching honesty, he shares his experiences, revealing the depths of despair he faced and the unwavering support he received from loved ones.
What sets Broken Open apart is its relatability. Hamilton’s story is not just about a famous sports broadcaster; it’s about a man grappling with a universal human struggle. By sharing his personal experiences, he challenges the stigma surrounding mental health and reminds readers that anyone can be affected.
The book is a testament to resilience and hope. Hamilton’s journey is a beacon of light for those who may be struggling with similar challenges. His openness and honesty make Broken Open a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of mental illness and the power of human spirit
Craig Hamilton’s Broken Open is a harrowing and deeply personal account of his descent into mental illness. The book offers a raw and unflinching look at the devastating consequences of bipolar disorder, a condition that nearly derailed his career and personal life.
Hamilton’s narrative is both heartbreaking and inspiring. He takes readers on a journey through the darkness of his mental breakdown, from the initial shock of his diagnosis to the grueling process of recovery. With unflinching honesty, he shares his experiences, revealing the depths of despair he faced and the unwavering support he received from loved ones.
What sets Broken Open apart is its relatability. Hamilton’s story is not just about a famous sports broadcaster; it’s about a man grappling with a universal human struggle. By sharing his personal experiences, he challenges the stigma surrounding mental health and reminds readers that anyone can be affected.
The book is a testament to resilience and hope. Hamilton’s journey is a beacon of light for those who may be struggling with similar challenges. His openness and honesty make Broken Open a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities of mental illness and the power of human spirit
June 5, 2019
Powerful and raw, this is a book all young men need to read. Find strength and courage in connecting with people and understand that it helps to talk.
April 2, 2022
I think this book deals with issues most people don't want to know about. It was very open and honest. What a tower of strength his wife was.
September 6, 2023
2.5 raised to 3
October 4, 2012
Two and a half stars.
Craig Hamilton had been a sportsman all his life, leading to a career as an ABC sports commentator. On the eve of attending the Sydney Olympics he experienced a major psychotic episode which resulted in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The book covers the support he received from close friends, most of whom he met via sport, and ends with a few chapters written by a couple of those close friends. Craig also mentions in passing the help he receives from massage therapy, yoga, relaxation therapy, and removing caffeine from his diet.
A simple read, I found it disappointing as there is too much concentration on his sporting life and not enough on his mental health experiences. There are a couple of comments which I remember from the book though. One which appealed to me is his realisation that "putting Humpty Dumpty back together again is not just a matter of gluing the eggshell - first you have to unscramble the egg."
And the second is the observation that diagnosing bipolar can be difficult for medical practitioners. It is often seen as severe depression only. Patients do not see their doctors when they are manic, usually only during times of terrible depression. Without seeing the manic side as well a misdiagnosis is frequently the case.
Craig Hamilton had been a sportsman all his life, leading to a career as an ABC sports commentator. On the eve of attending the Sydney Olympics he experienced a major psychotic episode which resulted in a diagnosis of bipolar disorder. The book covers the support he received from close friends, most of whom he met via sport, and ends with a few chapters written by a couple of those close friends. Craig also mentions in passing the help he receives from massage therapy, yoga, relaxation therapy, and removing caffeine from his diet.
A simple read, I found it disappointing as there is too much concentration on his sporting life and not enough on his mental health experiences. There are a couple of comments which I remember from the book though. One which appealed to me is his realisation that "putting Humpty Dumpty back together again is not just a matter of gluing the eggshell - first you have to unscramble the egg."
And the second is the observation that diagnosing bipolar can be difficult for medical practitioners. It is often seen as severe depression only. Patients do not see their doctors when they are manic, usually only during times of terrible depression. Without seeing the manic side as well a misdiagnosis is frequently the case.
April 16, 2022
I loved this book for its frankness and nitty-gritty of bipolar disorder. I could relate to each stage of the disorder through my own experiences with depression and the people I have known who have experienced depression and who live with bipolar.
When I mentioned I was reading this book, so many knew of it, had read it such as my sister's best friend J who was Craig's admitting registrar; the kind and lovely lady at Hunter Imaging who knew some of the characters in the story. Set in the Hunter Valley there were several places and people which crystalised the reality of this disease.
The writing was often cliched but perhaps reflected Craig's dialogue. It was also repetitive in parts. Nothing could take away from Craig's story itself.
When I mentioned I was reading this book, so many knew of it, had read it such as my sister's best friend J who was Craig's admitting registrar; the kind and lovely lady at Hunter Imaging who knew some of the characters in the story. Set in the Hunter Valley there were several places and people which crystalised the reality of this disease.
The writing was often cliched but perhaps reflected Craig's dialogue. It was also repetitive in parts. Nothing could take away from Craig's story itself.
July 16, 2012
Is really good. Gives a good insight into bipolar disorder and encourages people to seek help for their mental health issues and not to leave things in the dark. Also, to not be afraid to speak out about them, to not keep the issues from friends and family. I reccommend everyone to read it, very inspirational. It has something for everyone. :)
May 30, 2014
Very relatable and inspirational- not just for people with bipolar. Craig shows that you can still be an effective and successful person even with a mental illness. And illness is what it is, it's not a personality flaw.
My dad bought me this book when Craig toured rural areas of QLD recently. It's signed 'best wishes'. Best wishes to you too, Craig!
My dad bought me this book when Craig toured rural areas of QLD recently. It's signed 'best wishes'. Best wishes to you too, Craig!
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews