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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 20 >> Says that parents can be part of the problem in depression, and just as they can be abusive, they can be too supportive in insulating you from the rea

Her recovery initially came about after hospitalisation including Electroconvulsive Therapy. With supportive long-term therapy and medication (Prozac and lithium) she has been in recovery ever since 1989.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 29 and under >> Interview 02 >> Felt she was patronised and not listened to by GPs until they realised that she had attended an elite university.

Effective approaches include medication (currently Efexor 75 mg/day), hypnotherapy and counselling. Was finding it difficult to find therapy in the NHS.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 26 >> Suggests that people could bring someone else along to GP consultations, or write important things down first, since it can be difficult to communicat

Not currently on medication, has found the best approaches to include counselling, self-help books, alternative therapies, and adopting a more authentic lifestyle (including enjoyable voluntary jobs).

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 08 >> When she left work due to work pressure, her GP arranged for a CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse) to visit, but she feels the CPN didn't understand how

With the ongoing care of her GP and ongoing counselling with a skilled practitioner, she has been in recovery since early 2003. Not currently on medication.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 29 and under >> Interview 18 >> Describes a suicide attempt where the surgeon was keen for her to tell at least one parent about the true reason she was in hospital.

Became depressed while looking after a friend with depression. Believes Seroxat contributed to her suicide attempt. With counselling and new medication (venlafaxine 150mg/day) she is getting better.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> He cut off his friends when he was depressed because he did not want them to see him depressed, and he felt he couldn't cope with talking to anyone.

Has very good care from his GP. Medication was somewhat effective. He recently stopped taking Lithium and Effexor.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 37 >> Family therapy helped her family to communicate better, as well helping her to accept that she loved but did not like her family.

Is currently feeling well after a recent rough patch. Helpful approaches have included talking therapies, Prozac (20mg/day), living in a sunnier climate, and exercise.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 22 >> Her friend has educated herself about depression and is accepting, and so she can talk to her about her depression and feelings of suicide.

Is now managed by a skilled team in the NHS, which includes long-term therapy. Therapy is addressing her distorted thinking patterns and difficult past. She now understands she can move beyond depression.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 34 >> Says it is not wrong to think about suicide. Thinking of suicide - and talking about it to a friend - comforts her and allows her to think about livin

Has had 3 bouts of depression since 1998 (including a suicide attempt). Main helpful approaches include therapy, Efexor (75mg/day), alternative therapies and writing in a diary.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> She is unsure how to tell her children about her depression, but may discuss it when they are slightly older.

Has responded very well to Prozac (currently 20 mg) and cognitive behavioural therapy, and feels she should be on an antidepressant permanently to correct a chemical imbalance.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 29 and under >> Interview 02 >> Negative reactions to her speaking up in class as a child make her still unwilling to speak in public as an adult.

Effective approaches include medication (currently Efexor 75 mg/day), hypnotherapy and counselling. Was finding it difficult to find therapy in the NHS.