Olivia was prescribed antidepressants as treatment for a condition called Trichotillomania but the main problem with this condition are issues of self-image and self-esteem which she feels cannot be properly addressed using medication. She has also taken antidepressants for an episode of reactive depression following a relationship breakdown and felt that they helped to alleviate her anxiety and distress. She no longer takes antidepressants, but uses a natural supplement that she believes helps to improve serotonin levels in the brain.

Eileen, age 62, was diagnosed with asthma in her early 40's. She is white British and works at a university as a finance officer. She is divorced with three adult children. At first she found it very difficult to manage her life as she suffered from very frequent asthma attacks. However over time she was able to learn how to self-manage her asthma through recognising the triggers in good time and to self-medicate early enough to prevent things from worsening, and nowadays she rarely has an asthma attack.

Charless elder son became depressed and started self-harming aged 16. He is being treated by CAMHS and private psychologists. Charles finds his mood swings very worrying and difficult to deal with.