What do the following few people have in common?: Winston Churchill, Spike Milligan, John Cleese, Stephen Fry, Vincent Van Gogh, Hugh Lawrie, Bill Oddie, Beachboy Brian Wilson, actor Jim Carrey, Sheryl Crow, Carrie Fisher, Elton John, Robin Williams, TV mogul Ted Turner, astronaut Buzz Aldrin, director Francis Ford Coppola, golfer John Daly, Sting, snooker ace Ronnie O'Sullivan, Alistair Campbell, and me?

They, along with millions of others, have or have had depression.

Did this condition prevent these illustrious people from achieving wonderful artistic, brave and awe-inspiring feats? No. Yet why is there still such a stigma attached to this most common of illnesses?

After all, a third of all people in the western world will suffer depression at least once in their lives, yet we haven't witnessed a collapse in the economy or become a world of chaos and destruction (yet!).

I write this because recently I was offered the post of Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) where I passed the interview, written exam and physical. I had proven to the assessors that I had the necessary skills for the post. After being fitted for the uniform, I was then told at the eleventh hour that I was unsuitable for the job because I had had depression - 12 years ago.

Before my illness, and since it, I have held down pressured jobs in the civil service and the private sector dealing with stressful situations with no problem whatsoever. On a daily basis I would have to liaise with disgruntled and aggressive people and resolve situations to a satisfactory conclusion, as well as all the other busy tasks pertaining to office-type work.

I still take a mild anti-depression tablet daily to keep the black dog' away and my illness all those years ago has made me a stronger, more determined, more compassionate person.

Since my illness, I have lead a more active, positive and enlightened life, and I am thankful that I experienced such a dreadful time so that I can appreciate the simple pleasures in life, such as nature, friends, family, and learning.

My former illness has given me insight into suffering and misery, which would have enabled me as a PCSO to approach and deal more effectively with members of the public causing nuisance and trouble, because a large number of them are in the midst of a mental illness - whether they know it or not.

Being a former sufferer of a mental illness enables me to delve deeper into social issues that other people, who have not suffered depression, have little or no understanding. Most wrongdoers have a wish to be heard and understood.

I was informed by the occupational health officer at the PCSO centre that I was likely to have my depression return because I had been a sufferer of this common illness.

The fact that I would be placed in tricky' situations was a concern because she believed I wouldn't be able to handle the situation.

How patronising!

Yet my recovery from depression has enabled me to keep calm, remain focused and positive, so why was I deprived of a job I so wanted?

The fact that I have remained well during unemployment and bereavements over the years had no impact on her decision.

In fact, friends and family have often come to me for guidance and support as I now have the ability to see clearly how to not become too embroiled and worried about various situations.

I believe that depression sufferers are still discriminated against.

To say that someone who has suffered this illness is likely to have a reoccurrence is akin to telling someone that because they once had cancer that it is likely to return and prevent them from carrying out everyday functions.

Nobody knows what is around the corner and to make wild speculations is destructive, unproductive and hurtful.

This setback has made me even stronger, and made me more determined to succeed.

To have told Sir Winston Churchill that because of his depressive episodes he was unfit to govern the nation may have prevented us from winning the war.

To tell John Cleese and Spike Milligan that they were no longer fit to produce amusing and classic shows would have deprived millions of much enjoyment and laughter.

Does anyone look at Stephen Fry and believe that he is not worthy of his witty and knowledgeable success because he is a depression sufferer? Would a mother who suffered the illness be a less successful parent? No.

I hope this will give sufferers of depression the courage not to feel ashamed of the illness they have had to endure through no fault of their own.

Perhaps if we all rise up and tell the world that we're worthy and valuable members of society, then society will appreciate us a lot more and stop panicking when they learn that someone in their midst has suffered the black dog.' STEVE FRICKER, Warsash.