Mandy says she's always felt different to others and like she didn't quite fit in. Mandy's been self-harming since a young age, and later on experienced depression and been hearing voices. She stayed in a psychiatric unit for a while where she made two very close friends. For Mandy, time, getting involved in her care and going forwards in small steps helped the most. (White British).

Darren is 21 and has experienced depression from the age of 16 for about a year. He has epilepsy and has had brain surgery which made the depression worse. He now experiences occasional low moods, mainly after seizures. Darren enjoys sleeping and drawing cartoons.(White British).

Joanna is 20. She's experienced depression, panic attacks and self-harming since she was 10. She got better with help of different therapies, a trusted counsellor, people who cared for her and her faith. She now works in health and social care. (White British).

Helena is 19. She's experienced severe anxiety and depression caused by her abusive dad and disruptive home life. Helena received very little support from school and did most of the work for her GCSEs from home. Since, Helena has gotten help from counselling and she enjoys films, reading books and socialising on the internet.

Stacey is 17, currently unemployed and living on her own in supported housing. She has experienced depression and paranoia and she also used to drink heavily. Stacey is reluctant to take medication but alcohol counselling has helped her control the drinking. She loves music and would like to work with children. (White British).

Kirstie is 16 and a fulltime student. She's had difficulties with low mood and anger ' which she says started when her dad and then stepdad left her family. She now lives in supported housing on her own. (White British).

Sophie is 17 and says she's been depressed and feeling up and down all her life. Sophie is currently unemployed but is hoping to retake her GCSE's and to go to college to do hairdressing. She's going through a mental health assessment to see what's going on. She says counselling and writing have helped her the most. (White British).

Lee is 17 ' he's currently not in paid employment and is doing music. His problems started when he was younger; not getting on with his stepdad, running away from school and finally leaving home. Lee's music and his girlfriend are really important to him and help him the most when he's feeling low. (White British).

Bala is 20 and originally from Kurdistan. He had to leave his home at 16 because it wasn't safe for him to live there anymore. Bala's really enjoyed living in England, he's got many friends and is hoping to start college. He'd like to go back to visit his family one day. (Kurdish).

Erika-Maye is 17. She's had depression and been hearing voices for as long as she can remember. She's also recently been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. She says antidepressants, together with other therapies have helped her, as well as singing, music, writing and her faith. Erika-Maye has formed a group called Smile to help improve local CAMH Services. (White British).