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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 24 >> It took until she was 19 to be diagnosed with depression. Yet she has come to the conclusion that she was suffering from depression as a child.

Helpful approaches have included medication, self-help books and tapes, and personal development courses. Received long term therapy on the NHS. Recently discovered she had dyslexia, explaining many of her difficulties.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 27 >> A friend of a friend turned out to be very supportive during her depression and recovery.

Her main helpful approaches include hospitalisation, various therapies (including art therapy), Citalopram (40mg/day), reduction in work hours, Christian prayer and diary writing.

• 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 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> Was well informed about lithium side effects, and was willing to take lithium to avoid depression again even though she is against long-term medicatio

Effective treatments include lithium (400mg/day), day care centre activities (e.g. creative activities), distracting herself from depression, counselling, diet changes and Internet research.

• 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 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> Wanted her GP (who was also a friend) to notice her problem, but was worried that if she told him how she was feeling he might judge her badly.

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 40-54 >> Interview 30 >> Though her friends did well on lithium, she became suicidal and very paranoid before she stopped the lithium.

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 29 and under >> Interview 18 >> She saw a university-based counsellor and was relieved to be able to talk about anything she wanted to an impartial and friendly person; she didn't te

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 29 and under >> Interview 15 >> Found herself talking to her counsellor about things she would not talk to friends about, and discovered that she had put on a façade to cope with the

With the help of a caring GP, her counsellor, private hospital treatment, Efexor (150mg/day) and self-help books, she was feeling better and is keen to continue her healing and help others. She has written a book: Saving Samantha: A Young Woman's Escape from Childhood Hell (isbn 1401910300) about her experiences.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 10 >> When depressed he thought that his friends and family didn't like him, but therapy helped him to see the distortion of this thinking.

Helpful approaches include counselling (which has helped him to address past abuse as well as being gay) removed himself from a bullying workplace; settling debts, swimming and moving away from London.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 10 >> Counselling revealed that his family did not talk about emotions easily, so he talked to his friends rather than his parents about his depression.

Helpful approaches include counselling (which has helped him to address past abuse as well as being gay) removed himself from a bullying workplace; settling debts, swimming and moving away from London.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 23 >> Christmas time brings the absence of family into sharper focus for him; he feels he has somehow failed because he has no partner.

While avoiding medication, helpful approaches have included counselling, self-help books and alternative therapies (e.g. re-birthing). These approaches have helped reduce negative thinking and anxiety.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 31 >> It is sometimes hard to know who your real friends are, but they are probably those who show concern about you when you are depressed or manic.

Avoided medication but found help at a mental health 'drop in' centre. He became better informed and used creativity (e.g. computer art and music) to help his recovery.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 07 >> When he told his neighbour about his depression, his neighbour hugged him and offered comforting words and gestures.

Used a raft of strategies to recover including time off work, attending a support group, counselling, physical exercise, interaction with nature and pets, and spiritual healing.

• 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 39 >> Although talking and listening was too tiring when depressed, having her friend there and doing things together made her feel safer and more motivated

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 35 >> Her friends are supportive and watch out for mania, including over spending, and so will ask questions.

Multiple severe bouts requiring hospitalisation at times. Most helpful approaches include medication (currently depacote 1000mg/day, Efexor 75mg/day), fish oils, talking therapies, social support and cranio-sacral massage.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> Feels that friends need to treat depressed friends as having a serious illness, find out what they want to do, and help them to do that.

Effective treatments include lithium (400mg/day), day care centre activities (e.g. creative activities), distracting herself from depression, counselling, diet changes and Internet research.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> She told her friend about a suicide attempt, and her friend took her straight to her GP for help.

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 30-39 >> Interview 11 >> Her supportive friends could deal with her changing needs, as well as give practical help such as baby-sitting.

Hospitalised, but experienced poor service in the NHS. Helpful approaches included the contraceptive pill (acts as a mood stabiliser for her), good GP support, private hospitalisation, and HomeStart help in the home.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> He needed a lot of help when very depressed, and says that friends and family can assist the depressed with practical help. (Played by an actor)

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 33 >> Strongly urges people with depression to get help from somewhere because outside help is important, and depression is less stigmatised these days.

Has not used medication and is not happy with his GP. Nevertheless, he has accessed talking therapies which have helped somewhat. He also moved away from his family.

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• Mental health >> Depression >> Friends and family >> Friends and family

Friends and family

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 25 >> Has met a woman friend with depression whom she can trust and talk to about personal issues.

In recent times, has fared better with a new supportive husband, a caring GP and Prozac (20mg/day). She continues to struggle against feeling to blame for things outside of her control.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> Wanted her GP (who was also a friend) to notice her problem, but was worried that if she told him how she was feeling he might judge her badly.

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 30-39 >> Interview 17 >> While feeling very isolated, he has found a friend through a chronic fatigue (ME) support group.

Current medication includes Seroxat, Zyperxa (olanzapine), Lamactil (lamatrigine). Is grappling with building friendships and what he wants to do in life. He has found one kinesiologist in particular to be very helpful.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> Says that depression is less stigmatised nowadays and believes that disclosing your depression to a trusted friend is helpful. (Played by an actor)

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

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> When she comes out of depression, she socialises again and is able to pick up her interests, including horses.

Effective treatments include lithium (400mg/day), day care centre activities (e.g. creative activities), distracting herself from depression, counselling, diet changes and Internet research.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 07 >> Feels under pressure to get better because he feels a burden on his partner and friends, yet feels his partner was very supportive.

Used a raft of strategies to recover including time off work, attending a support group, counselling, physical exercise, interaction with nature and pets, and spiritual healing.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 30 >> She had felt 'stupid' and 'weak' and that her life was over, but her recent recovery has begun to challenge such negative ideas. (Played by an actor)

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 22 >> Has met someone else with depression who has gone further towards recovery and the experience has been inspirational.

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 29 and under >> Interview 02 >> The curative effect of Efexor (venlafaxine) was her proof she had a brain chemical imbalance, although she believed she needed therapy to deal with le

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 09 >> Was initially afraid to do many social things, but realised that he needed to take up life's opportunities, and learn to socialise more. (Played by an

Since 1995 has undergone a recovery which has involved therapy (systemic consultation) as well as learning social skills, engaging in enjoyable activities, and involvement in self-help groups.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 19 >> While severely depressed, her doctor told her to get out of the house and exercise, and so she managed to get to her local church on the bus.

Has managed to find joy in life through approaches including medication (currently venlafaxine 150mg & chlorpromazine 25mg), counselling, partner support, Christianity and voluntary work (which led to rewarding employment).

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 65+ >> Interview 14 >> Says that having a hobby can distract from negative thoughts as well as provide meaningful rewards, friendships and male bonding.

Has responded well to Cognitive Behavioural Therapy. He has the support of his wife and has built his confidence in a local sporting club. He recognises depression as a phase that passes.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 11 >> She thought negatively when depressed, and her mind jumped to negative conclusions, and she felt like others were talking about her.

Hospitalised, but experienced poor service in the NHS. Helpful approaches included the contraceptive pill (acts as a mood stabiliser for her), good GP support, private hospitalisation, and HomeStart help in the home.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 27 >> A friend of a friend turned out to be very supportive during her depression and recovery.

Her main helpful approaches include hospitalisation, various therapies (including art therapy), Citalopram (40mg/day), reduction in work hours, Christian prayer and diary writing.

• 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 11 >> Her supportive friends could deal with her changing needs, as well as give practical help such as baby-sitting.

Hospitalised, but experienced poor service in the NHS. Helpful approaches included the contraceptive pill (acts as a mood stabiliser for her), good GP support, private hospitalisation, and HomeStart help in the home.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> She told her friend about a suicide attempt, and her friend took her straight to her GP for help.

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 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> Feels that friends need to treat depressed friends as having a serious illness, find out what they want to do, and help them to do that.

Effective treatments include lithium (400mg/day), day care centre activities (e.g. creative activities), distracting herself from depression, counselling, diet changes and Internet research.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 39 >> Although talking and listening was too tiring when depressed, having her friend there and doing things together made her feel safer and more motivated

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 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 55-64 >> Interview 31 >> It is sometimes hard to know who your real friends are, but they are probably those who show concern about you when you are depressed or manic.

Avoided medication but found help at a mental health 'drop in' centre. He became better informed and used creativity (e.g. computer art and music) to help his recovery.