Alice was diagnosed by a psychiatrist with severe depression a year ago. She has suffered from anxiety for most of her life, and depression since her mid to late thirties. She has managed her mental health with the aid of anti-depressants, counseling, and support from friends and family (previously her mother and now her children) as well as various health professionals over time. Alice currently takes antidepressant medication (venlafaxine) which she finds to be helpful.

Paul first experienced depression triggered by memories of childhood sexual abuse. He has attempted suicide several times, but has had excellent support from both mental health professionals and family, and now feels he very much wants to live. Paul is currently seeing a psychiatrist and psychologist, in addition to maintaining his medication regimen (venlafaxine).

Ivan was diagnosed with depression in 2004, but his symptoms began to manifest as early as 2000 when he left his former career as a speech pathologist. He attributes his depression to several factors including the deaths of several close family members, his marriage breakdown in 1993, and the demands of migration. He has been very well supported by his partner, family and friends, as well as his GP and a psychiatrist. Antidepressants (fluoxetine) and his Christian faith have also been helpful.

Anton, 64, is an Asian man who came from Sri Lanka to the UK in 1962. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder aged 45 and was given various medicines but none worked. Now he is not receiving any treatment' he was told by doctors they had "given up" on him.

Hanif, 49, describes himself as Indian and has lived in the UK for 25 years. Hanif experienced cannabis induced psychosis and was diagnosed with bipolar disorder aged 23. Hanif works in mental health, campaigning to reduce stigma.

Ali, 27, was born in Pakistan and has been studying and working in the UK. Ali says that although it's easier to explain things to professionals from the same culture, as long as the other person is understanding, you can always clarify things.

Sara, 34, describes herself as Indian and has a diagnosis of depression. Sara's food bingeing was interpreted as psychotic behaviour and she was diagnosed with schizophrenia. In her late twenties, however, a specialist diagnosed an eating disorder.

Michael, 49, describes himself as a European Ashkenazi Jew. He has been given a variety of diagnoses, including bipolar affective disorder, personality disorder, paranoid schizophrenia, learning disability, and severe mental impairment.

HY Leung, 60, was admitted to a London psychiatric hospital. She says her doctors don't understand what she's going through. She feels God accepts and understands her, which supports her to face the challenges of her illnesses and to carry on her life.

Sarah, a married mother of 4, is Chinese and came to the UK from Hong Kong when she got married. She was diagnosed with depression when she was 46. Sarah gets a lot of comfort from her religion - she says she would feel very depressed without it.