People Like Us

What do we have in common with Winston Churchill, Michaelangelo and Isaac Newton? Like us, they all suffered from depression.  Depression is an illness that can affect anyone, anytime.  It does not discriminate!

Here we have a (very incomplete) list of well known Australians who have, or have had, depression, with a little information about them and their experiences.  We also have a list of famous people from around the world who have had depression.

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Well-Known Australians

Bev Aisbett – Author of "Taming The Black Dog" and other well known books

Barcroft Boake – Author – 'Where The Dead Men Lie'

Debra Byrne – Singer (Young Talent Time in early childhood)/actress/entertainer, autobiography entitled 'Not Quite Ripe'

Neil Cole – Victorian Politician and Playwright.  Inaugural Director of the original depressioNet!

Su Cruickshank – Entertainer

Adam Lindsay Gordon – Poet/Writer

 Craig Hamilton - Radio Presenter / Broadcaster

Jonathon Hay - Australian Football League player talks about his mental illness on the Footy show

Leah Hudson – TV Presenter

Natalie Imbruglia -  Actor/singer

Bill Leak – Cartoonist.  (Links to a radio interview)

Garry MacDonald – Actor

John McGrath – Chair, Mental Health Council of Australia

Cory Paterson – NRL Footballer, Newcastle Knights Player

Mark Priestley – Actor

Andrew Robb AO – Politician

Jessica Rowe - Television News Presenter

Petrea Thomas  – Olympic Swimmer

Nathan Thompson  Australian Football League player for Hawthorn and North Melbourne,  talks about his battle with depression and how he got through it.  Produced by beyond blue. Stories of Hope and Recovery DVD

 Travis Tuck – Aussie Rules Hawthorn Football Player

Adriana Xenides – Game Show Hostess

 

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Books by or about peoples' struggles and successes overcoming depression or manic depression:

• Ted Turner: founded and runs CNN, and married to Jane Fonda.His book, "It Ain't as Easy as It Looks", includes discussion of his use of Lithium and struggles with manic depression.
• Patty Duke's "A Brilliant Madness – Living with manic-depressive illness".

These are two good examples of books that can inspire. Let us know if you have any others!