In a candid presentation to the April 2008 National Like Minds Hui in Palmerston North Aubery Quinn and Michelle Te Ahuru described the challenges of bipolar disorder and how it affected their relationship. The central message was that there was a way through, and that they have been able to look back on it all as part of life's journey they got through together. 

They also described what it has been like featuring in the current TV advertising series and peoples reaction to them which they say has been 100 percent positive. Total strangers approach them in public thinking they know them. People want to tell them their life stories.

In the ads following on from others in the same series, most famously fronted by rugby great John Kirwan, Mr Quinn and Ms Te Ahuru talk frankly about the days of what they describe as "the black shadow" of bipolar disorder, and the things people did to help his recovery.                                                                        

"I don't think we'd thought how big it would be," Mr Quinn says. "We were quite naive, even though we had been well briefed on what we could expect," Michelle says.

Aubery said the first time a stranger recognised him after the first TV ad went to air, he stood open- mouthed and speechless, probably not doing the cause any good. Although they say it's never been overwhelming, people have volunteered some extraordinary personal stories about their own experience of mental illness.

And that's okay, says Mr Quinn. The important thing is that he gives them a moment, and that one more person feels positive about sharing. He's well, now. He takes medication, but not "the hard stuff", and so offers people hope of recovery.

Mr Quinn said it was humbling to be at the hui involving the regional providers of Like Minds from around the country who are involved in providing mental health services and challenging the stigma and discrimination that create a barrier to recovery.

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