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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 23 >> When his depression is severe, he feels physically different, including a pressure around his brain, and he feels confused.

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 30-39 >> Interview 04 >> Has accepted that he will have depression again, he knows the signs of a looming depression, knows what to do, and knows he will recover. (Played by a

Has responded very well to Prozac (20mg/day) and cognitive behavioural therapy.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 29 and under >> Interview 15 >> Gets angry with people who complain about relatively minor problems with their families because of the physical abuse she suffered.

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 40-54 >> Interview 22 >> Explains how she presented to her GP with minor ailments, felt she was wasting his time, and was not given a clear explanation of her depression. (Pla

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 33 >> Severe depression is more serious than physical illness because the mind is ill, and because depression can be invisible, it is hard for people to sup

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.