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.

Dani has experienced three main episodes of depression ' at 14 when she was first diagnosed, again during Year 12, and her most recent period began when she was about 22. Dani struggles with her self-esteem and when her mood is low finds sharing her feelings difficult. She says her depression has been brought on by feelings of not fitting in at school and stressful life events. Dani has found a combination of medication and counseling helpful, particularly cognitive and mindfulness techniques.

Anxiety and depression have been closely intertwined for Chloe, beginning in her early teens. By the age of 15 she was self-harming and had developed bulimia, at 16 she attempted suicide, and in the last two years of high school was self-medicating with drugs and alcohol, before attempting suicide again at 18. Soon after this she met her current partner, and was then able to link in to good professional support. A long journey through different therapies followed, but Chloe is now in recovery.

Millaa first experienced depression and anxiety at age 10. He was bullied during high school, and at 15 was diagnosed with depression and Asperger's Syndrome. He has attempted suicide several times in the past, but now feels a renewed will to live. Millaa attributes this to his strong bond with his siblings and friends, and desire to help people with diverse sexual identities struggling with mental health problems. He has found neither antidepressants nor counselling helpful.

Jack had a breakdown at age 28 following a marital crisis. This prompted him to check himself in to a psychiatric hospital for assistance. After four months, he left to give his marriage another try, and when this failed, he travelled to the other side of Australia where he attempted suicide. Subsequently, he met his current wife, and has enjoyed a stable and happy family life, free of mental health problems.

Ralph first experienced depression in his mid-30s. Although he was diagnosed fairly soon after first experiencing symptoms, he chose not to pursue medical treatment and instead spent many years experimenting with alternative therapies. Gradually he came to realise that eating plain, unprocessed food made him feel better, and now thinks that MSG and other food additives are the cause of his depression. By following a strict diet, he has been able to make a full recovery.

Suzi has struggled with depression since childhood, and believes this stemmed from the effects of the way her family dealt with her mother's schizophrenia. She has attempted suicide and self-harmed a few times, however now feels she can deal with her depression. She sees a psychiatrist regularly and takes antidepressants (fluoxetine).

Anorexia in her teenage years was the earliest symptom of Shaz's mental health problems. At 19 she began seeing a psychiatrist whom she still sees today. Over the years, Shaz has battled many illnesses including depression, anxiety and asthma and has taken medication for a number of health conditions she is living with. She has attempted suicide a few times.

Jane was at university when she first experienced mental health problems in the form of anxiety and panic attacks. Therapy helped these subside, but she then went on to experience postnatal depression (undiagnosed) with her first child, and both antenatal and postnatal depression with her second child. During her second pregnancy, Jane's depression was diagnosed and treated, and she made a full recovery.