Mike (24) is a first-year student taking geography and economics at Maynooth. He went to college as a mature student, lives in Dublin and finds it a bit lonely.
"I've known for a good number of years I'm a depression sufferer. I've had it with me since 11 or 12."
He is from what he describes as a rural background and says depression was not an easy issue to discuss. But moving to Dublin didn't necessarily make it easier. "In the last four years I have moved up to Dublin and haven't found anyone to talk to about it, up until I went back to university."
He has tried eight different types of medication, but believes they eventually stop working.
Mike says when depression hits, it leaves him with "no motivation or enthusiasm and feeling ill".
"I've no drive when it comes down on me and no will to complete something either."
Asked about the difference the group has made in his life, Mike says he's made "rewarding acquaintances".
"They understand me too, which is very important."
He is secretary of the Maynooth group, which also keeps him busy.
Mike would like to see others take the initiative to set up a Blues Society, similar to that in Maynooth. "I can only hope that in other colleges you have other students like Claire McGuinness who have the foresight to start the ball rolling. Depression has this funny trick of blunting your emotions and you just don't feel the way you should feel. It numbs your senses a little when it's at its worst. I feel numb, detached.
"As things stand, the group is the main focal point for me in the campus. It's something I look forward to every Tuesday night."