When Safra was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, her oncologist referred her on to a psychologist who diagnosed her with depression. She thinks this is related to her unhappy marriage and divorce, and the stigma of divorce in Malaysia. Safra's treatment has consisted of counselling and antidepressants. She has also found baking and cooking helpful. While Safra believes that one can never recover from depression, her experience helped her to confront her husband and to stand up for herself.

Clinton was diagnosed with depression when he was 19, which he thinks was related to childhood sexual abuse and some family history of mental health problems. Since his diagnosis he has been proactive in investigating and trying different medications and therapies. Today a 'mental toolkit of techniques to deal with depression in conjunction with antidepressants enable him to enjoy a more positive and calm life.

Louise was diagnosed with depression when she was hospitalised after an injury. She has benefited from yoga, professional help and involvement with a peer support group and antidepressant medication. She now manages a community mental health organisation.

Phil's wife suffered from bipolar disorder during their marriage. He thinks that the difficulties of supporting his wife and her illness contributed to his depression. Phil worked with a support group and received counselling during his divorce. He took antidepressant medication during the divorce but since he got better he has used exercise and the support group to maintain his well-being.

Andrew has struggled with depression as well as chronic physical health problems for most of his life. His 13 years of marriage were a happier period, but after his wife's sudden death from a heart attack, his mental and physical health deteriorated and he was diagnosed with depression. He has found attending a mental health peer support group to be very helpful, together with antidepressant medication and regular visits to his GP.

Stewart was diagnosed with depression in 2010 after not being 'himself' for a couple of years. He attributes this to the accumulated effects of the loss of a number of close family members over the years and an unsettled (though loving) childhood. A supportive and insightful GP, medication and cognitive behavioural therapy have helped his recovery.

Debra has experienced anxiety and panic attacks for 22 years and was diagnosed with depression nine years ago. In Debra's experience the anxiety and depression are linked, and she often experiences depression following a period of bad anxiety. To help her mental health, she has used a combination of medication and different therapy techniques, including psychotherapy and mindfulness. Debra completed a mental health qualification and is volunteering as a mental health peer support worker.

Emma was diagnosed with postnatal depression following the birth of her second child. This came as a complete shock as was her first experience of mental health problems. Practical and emotional support from her mother and sister, talking therapy, and antidepressant medication helped Emma through this difficult period. After a year she felt she was back to her 'old self' and was able to cease her medication. She would like to see her counsellor again for some 'maintenance therapy'.

Kymberly migrated to Australia from Canada at the age of 18. She describes a history of depression within her family. Kymberly briefly experienced postnatal depression after the births of each of her children, and recurrent anxiety and insomnia over the years. After her mother's death, and the social isolation that followed her marriage breakdown, she sought help for her distress. Through alternative therapies, counselling, exercise, and antidepressants Kymberly feels she is getting better.

Troy first experienced anxiety and depression when he was 21. At his mother's encouragement, he saw a GP, who referred him to a psychotherapist and prescribed antidepressants. After several months of counselling and medication, Troy felt sufficiently well to cease both forms of therapy. With his family's help he started an Honours year at university, and feels much more settled. Troy says he learned some useful strategies for managing his mental health in future.