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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 16 >> Argues that you have to be yourself, and live your life according to your own values, rather than try to please others. And this takes courage.

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 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> Is much more confident to organise her family life so she can have time for herself to walk in the hills, socialise or take a weekend off from motherl

Has responded very well to Prozac (currently 20 mg) and cognitive behavioural therapy, and feels she should be on an antidepressant permanently to correct a chemical imbalance.

• 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 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> Worked out what she wanted in her life, and then repeated it over and over in her mind as a mantra: 'I'm calm, cheerful and creative,' even when depre

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 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 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 55-64 >> Interview 28 >> Thinking about depression as a way of changing her life, rather than as the enemy, helped her deal with it better.

Multiple severe bouts of depression/ 'euphoria', most recently in 95. Has been hospitalised and had Electroconvulsive Therapy. Most helpful approaches include the drug venlafaxine (75mg/day), music, poetry and spiritual healing.