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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 26 >> Argues that although talking therapies are costly if you go private, talking therapies are valuable and well worth the cost in terms of getting more o

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 40-54 >> Interview 27 >> Believes there is an over emphasis on medication for sedation in the NHS hospital she went to.

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 29 and under >> Interview 15 >> Was pleasantly surprised by her welcome at a private psychiatric hospital.

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 27 >> Says that while some nurses did care in her NHS hospital, there was more care that felt genuine and available in the private system.

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 11 >> Did not like the NHS hospital she went into when she could not get into a private hospital.

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.