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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> Managed to hide his depression at work, but when he could no longer read a story to his daughter he knew he needed 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 08 >> Argues that people in distress may have more help available to them than they think. (Played by an actor)

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 29 and under >> Interview 15 >> As a 14 year old her suicide attempt frightened her enough to visit her GP, who diagnosed depression.

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 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 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.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 65+ >> Interview 01 >> Argues that the depressed person is the best person to overcome the depression, but they need to get professional help from wherever they can.

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 40-54 >> Interview 23 >> Says doing nothing about depression does not help - it is better to try to be active in getting help.

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 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 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.