There are many headlines that depict tears from whistleblowers. My advice really is to never cry in the presence of officialdom. I think the media would like to portray all of us as weak frail creatures who are fragile. I am not sure why they have an obsession in doing this but there we go. I think an alternative viewpoint of tough doctors trying to get their job done is rather alien to the public. I do though believe it is important for the public to understand that real whistleblowers don't flinch, they are tough under all circumstances. Tears imply weakness. This may not be so but that is how it is interpreted. It is also interpreted by authorities like the GMC and others as people who cannot cope or have some kind of mental health issue. Whether we accept this to be the right interpretation or not, that is the way of the world. It is certainly the case in the United Kingdom. I don't cry in public and those who have attempted to do their worst to me know I don't cry or break in public. There is a reason for this. The reason is that I will never ever give any authority the satisfaction of affecting my emotions in any way. I have been under cross examination in court and other circumstances and no matter how many insults have been hurled at me, my mind has always mocked the questioner. That is the way I have coped internally. My advice to whistleblowers - never cry under any circumstances. If you feel there will be floods of tears, excuse yourself to the toilets and privately cry. If you are a doctor or any other health professional, its important if not vital that you stand your ground and be a professional at all times. Always remember that authorities will try to break your spirit, your mind and your heart. To allow them to do so would be to allow them to win.