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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 09 >> A social worker visited his home and helped his father to better understand depression, as well as helping him to talk issues through.

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 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 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 30-39 >> Interview 35 >> After having mania and being released from hospital she had debts and became depressed, and so could not work, even though she needed to pay off debts

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 30-39 >> Interview 10 >> Found it hard to accept that depression was a legitimate reason to be off work, felt guilty and imagined people wondering why he wasn't there.

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 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.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 12 >> Her boss was very supportive, and organised her work so that she could cope with her tasks.

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 65+ >> Interview 14 >> Even though he thought redundancy would affect his mental health, it did not, and he got another good job shortly afterwards.

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 40-54 >> Interview 27 >> She loved her work and was a perfectionist, but after redundancies at work she was doing additional work and then she became depressed.

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 40-54 >> Interview 07 >> Even though the proposal he was working on was successful, he had to work with a man who he suspected was homophobic, and who undermined him.

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 19 >> Her boss was a bully and people were relieved when he wasn't around. Her anger towards him turned inwards on herself.

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 40-54 >> Interview 27 >> She was not getting the help she needed to do her work, her director had been bullying her, but the company supported her.

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 >> To stop rumours before they started, she told work colleagues she had been in a 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 16 >> Was bashed because he was gay, and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. The diagnosis helped him to feel that it was not his fault.

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 55-64 >> Interview 24 >> Argues that those with depression ultimately need to take responsibility for recovery, although there are many who can help.

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 32 >> Found she couldn't cope with a situation at work, broke down in tears and went home sick.

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 65+ >> Interview 03 >> Just before he became depressed he lost family members, there were workplace changes, and members of his family moved back home.

He had sympathetic doctors who took the time to listen. With medication, early retirement, his religious convictions, and the gradual resolution of life stressors, his depression lifted.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 19 >> Became aware that she was having a 'breakdown' on the bus on the way home from work, so called her husband to come and pick her up.

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 01 >> He 'swallowed his tongue' during ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy) and had to try to alert the anaesthetists, and lost memory of a holiday and work prac

Treatments have included ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy), hospitalisation, talking therapies, lithium and medication. He was on a preventative, low dose of Zoloft (sertraline 100mg/day) due to his wife's death.

• 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 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 29 and under >> Interview 02 >> Her mother has faced her anxieties and not let depression stop her from doing things, and so she tries to do likewise.

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 22 >> Describes her illogical yet powerful thoughts that she was responsible for an office argument. (Played by an actor)

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 09 >> Says that you may only be able to tackle small activities when depressed, but you can progress to more difficult tasks, and this can help to bring you

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 38 >> Has chosen work that is creative and allows him to express himself, connect with others, and help his subjects to be self-expressive.

Effective approaches have included counselling from his GP, partner support, doing a 'Landmark' course, swimming, and finding an authentic and creative expression for himself through his work.

• 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 40-54 >> Interview 27 >> Says depression helps you to put your life in perspective. She still finds it hard to relax, but has started to enjoy observing nature.

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 65+ >> Interview 03 >> A combination of Incapacity Benefit, pension and an inheritance, meant he had enough to retire on, but regretted the way he left work. (Played by an a

He had sympathetic doctors who took the time to listen. With medication, early retirement, his religious convictions, and the gradual resolution of life stressors, his depression lifted.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 11 >> Depression made her question her priorities. She was glad she left her work in her 30s rather than later.

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 65+ >> Interview 13 >> Tried various careers, including law, which did not suit him; once he left law he started to feel better, and he pursued training in organic gardening

Has only recent seen himself as getting better, being helped by therapy (eg. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Gestalt), a clairvoyant therapist/doctor, the learning of meditation techniques, and medication (Effexor 75mg, Lithium (400mg/day).

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 26 >> Having a child to look after gave her a routine and responsibilities which got her out of bed and active.

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 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).

• Topic
• Mental health >> Depression >> Work and education >> Work and education

Work and education

• 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 40-54 >> Interview 22 >> Describes her illogical yet powerful thoughts that she was responsible for an office argument. (Played by an actor)

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 40-54 >> Interview 19 >> Her boss was a bully and people were relieved when he wasn't around. Her anger towards him turned inwards on herself.

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 40-54 >> Interview 27 >> She was not getting the help she needed to do her work, her director had been bullying her, but the company supported her.

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 40-54 >> Interview 07 >> Even though the proposal he was working on was successful, he had to work with a man who he suspected was homophobic, and who undermined him.

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 55-64 >> Interview 12 >> Her boss was very supportive, and organised her work so that she could cope with her tasks.

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 19 >> Her boss was a bully and people were relieved when he wasn't around. Her anger towards him turned inwards on herself.

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).