Comodor has had a varied and interesting career life, living and working overseas for a number of years and working across a variety of jobs. Gambling and the races were a big part of his childhood, and before his marriage he developed a gambling problem but overcame this after incurring some debts and seeking assistance from his family.

Eleven years ago Comodor was diagnosed with lung cancer. He spent four months in treatment and although he was given only six months to live he successfully recovered from surgery and radiation treatment. When he was discharged from the hospital Comodor saw on his hospital discharge form a note that said he was suffering depression. He remembers at the time that he thought this was rubbish; and he had never considered himself to be depressed.

After recovering for four months Comodor took up driving taxis and enjoyed this immensely. He later suffered temporal arthritis and macular degeneration in his eyes and had to quit driving taxis. This was an early retirement for Comodor. At this time his GP mentioned that he might be depressed, although Comodor did not think this was correct. His GP said that Comodor’s irregular sleeping patterns were a sign of depression;, however he believes these sleeping patterns were due to his job driving taxis, which required him to work long hours. He saw a few psychiatrists who each prescribed different antidepressant medications. Comodor was not impressed with this as he found each medication made him sleep even longer. Comodor is not currently taking antidepressants.

The last psychiatrist Comodor saw told him that he thought he had a form of depression that would not respond to medication;. He suggested he visit a men’s support group, but he hasn’t been able to do this because of difficulties accessing it via public transport. Comodor cannot identify any other symptom that could point to having depression, other than his irregular sleeping patterns, but says that his GP and the psychiatrists he has consulted have convinced him he does have depression;.

Comodor’s medical conditions, including emphysema, prevent him from exercising, which he loved to do before he became unwell. His relationship with his wife and sex life has deteriorated since his cancer, which he finds difficult. He describes good days as those where he feels mentally sharp. He thinks that being more socially active and exercising would be beneficial but this is difficult because of his medical condition. Comodor enjoys listening to the radio and finds this brings him great joy, and he also enjoys seeing his grandchildren.