Akello described suffering emotional distress after giving birth to her children in Uganda. She later realised that this could be described as 'postnatal depression'. She was diagnosed with depression in Australia in 2010 when she was put on antidepressant medication by her GP and referred to a psychologist as part of a mental health plan. Medication and counseling have been helpful and Akello now feels she is on the path to recovery.

Kim Hai first experienced depression while studying overseas as a young woman, partly due to her experience as a refugee from Vietnam. She has experienced depression at different stages of her life and has found counselling more effective than medication.

Jules has experienced depression and social anxiety for many years. She has voluntarily spent time in mental health units over the past 2-3 years. She is seeing a psychiatrist, taking antidepressant medication and receives psychotherapy.

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.

Susan has experienced depression numerous times over the course of her life. While she has not been medically diagnosed she characterises her experience as depression and takes antidepressant medication (sertraline). In addition, she finds exercise, spending time with friends and family, and pursuing her interests in music and photography helpful.

Stephanie was teaching overseas in an international school when she started experiencing periods of anxiety and depression. She closely linked these experiences with her menstrual cycle. Initially she sought treatment through medication, which worked well, but on her return to Australia Stephanie also found visiting a psychologist helpful. Currently Stephanie is not taking medication and feels that should future experiences of depression occur she is well equipped to deal with them.

Colin was successfully treated for prostate cancer in his 60s. In the years following, he gradually became 'irritable, withdrawn, self-centred and anxious which took a toll on his marriage. A visit to a men's support group prompted him to see his GP, who diagnosed depression and prescribed antidepressants. After Colin found a medication that suited him, he started to feel better. He is now active in peer support groups, and his wife has told him she feels that she has her partner back.

Ruth describes herself as an outgoing, bubbly person. She first experienced depression after she moved out of home in her early 30s. She has successfully lived through her depression experience for a number of years with the help of regular counseling, exercise, medication and travel.

Peter first experienced depression in 1997 while working as an investment banker. He experienced nausea, a pervasive sense of 'impending doom', sleeping problems, and by 1998 was no longer able to work. In 2002 his mental health declined further after an accident resulting in chronic physical pain. However in time Peter learned to deal with his depression better, and found an effective medication. He says his experience has made him more compassionate and accepting.

Ron first experienced depression in his mid-20s, precipitated he thinks by drug use as well as anxiety resulting from growing up with an alcoholic father. Peer support programs helped Ron to recover from this first depression experience. However his divorce at age 49 prompted the first of a series of further episodes. Antidepressants, ECT, and Ron's own efforts to recover have helped. He now accepts that he is susceptible to anxiety and depression and is confident he can deal with this.