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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 65+ >> Interview 13 >> Describes getting helpful treatment and partaking in beneficial activities in an NHS hospital.

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 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 07 >> While very depressed, doing exercise helped to fill in the day, and watching Wimbledon also filled the day with a meaningful distraction.

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 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 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 30-39 >> Interview 08 >> Feels people need to find ways to express their feelings (e.g. poetry, music, dancing) so that the feelings don't get 'stuck' inside you. (Played by

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 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> An NHS Day Centre near her home offering creative activities was a welcome distraction from her depression.

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 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.

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• Mental health >> Depression >> Distraction, activities and creativity >> Distraction, activities and creativity

Distraction, activities and creativity