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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.