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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 09 >> His mother died, he was bullied, was neglected, isolated, lacked social skills, and he was fixated on a woman, hoping he could be rescued.

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 >> Was comforting to be with people who knew what he was talking about, he bonded with the group, felt they were his equals and felt less alone and wrong

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 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> He cut off his friends when he was depressed because he did not want them to see him depressed, and he felt he couldn't cope with talking to anyone.

Has very good care from his GP. Medication was somewhat effective. He recently stopped taking Lithium and Effexor.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 19 >> She felt so bad and so cut off from everyone in her family that she felt she was inside a very thick balloon, and contemplated suicide.

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 30-39 >> Interview 17 >> Describes his loneliness and isolation, and feeling cut off from people, especially with no relatives living in his area.

Current medication includes Seroxat, Zyperxa (olanzapine), Lamactil (lamatrigine). Is grappling with building friendships and what he wants to do in life. He has found one kinesiologist in particular to be very helpful.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 08 >> Feels she has been in recovery from a long period of depression, and now feels less isolated and more connected to the world. (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 30-39 >> Interview 08 >> Her warnings signs for depression include intolerance of noise, isolation, a sense of something is wrong and wanting to lose herself with medication.

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.