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• 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 29 and under >> Interview 02 >> Growing experience of depression and life has helped her to develop a more positive view of herself.

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 40-54 >> Interview 30 >> Finds that when she needs help, she can rely on her mental health team, including her doctor, psychiatrist and CPN (Community Psychiatric Nurse).

Has supportive health professionals. She reacted badly to lithium, and is now doing much better on her current medication (currently Quetiapine 200mg/day, Amitriptyline 50mg, Carbamazepine 200mg, Atenolol 25 mg, Raberazole 20mg).

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 32 >> Felt she was ignorant about depression and medication and was scared about taking medication, which she only took for a short while even though it see

Feels her GP is excellent, but decided against medication. She has gained confidence over the years, and has benefited from NHS counselling, but is having trouble accessing further counselling.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 16 >> His counsellor supported him without setting the agenda, helping him to make his own decisions.

The most helpful approaches for him have included getting rest, counselling, lifestyle changes (involving moving to a better community and living on less money), spirituality and partner support.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 39 >> Feels that taking fish oils helped to lift her mood, but it took 6 weeks, and she continues to take fish oils to feel more in control of preventing de

Helpful approaches have included hospitalisation, venlafaxine (75mg X 3/day), Fish Oils, individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and relationship counselling, support from local women, joining Depression Alliance, and a gradual return to work to build confidence.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 26 >> Says that doing voluntary work can be enjoyable and less pressured than paid work, helping you to build confidence and look after yourself better.

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 55-64 >> Interview 12 >> Becoming secretary for a new local support group helped her to feel useful, link with professionals and help others.

Helpful approaches include support from patients in hospital, counselling and medication (Lofepramine). She understands depression as a passing phase and feels she is well past the worst of it.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 39 >> Her depression lifted but left her lacking confidence, yet she was fortunate to be able to gradually return to work.

Helpful approaches have included hospitalisation, venlafaxine (75mg X 3/day), Fish Oils, individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and relationship counselling, support from local women, joining Depression Alliance, and a gradual return to work to build confidence.