Deborah, I can only imagine how frustrating and disheartening this has been for you. I've suffered with depression for 29 years and I absolutely believe that a virtual world for people who also suffer in the grip of short- long- or very long- term depression would benefit enormously from what you are trying to create.
I'm doing some research and making initial contact with people I feel may be able to help - I'm convinced that sharing your virtual world with surfers, sand-buggies and idiots won't work. Perhaps we may work together in the future?
callmetroubles