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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 65+ >> Interview 13 >> Was restless in hospital, and remembers that he felt such self-hatred that he feared he would contaminate others, or that they could tell how horrible

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 36 >> People can go to support groups even if they are not feeling great since others understand, but it can be hard to combine people who are in a manic ph

Useful approaches include medication, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, therapy, hospitalisation, self-help groups. Currently takes Lithium (600mg/day) and citalopram (Cipramil) 20mg/day.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> While he can be very creative and productive while manic, he consciously decides to stick to important routines like sleep to prevent subsequent depre

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 06 >> Believes she has had depression for many years but was able to normalise it, and only considered talking to her GP after she had become suicidal.

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 30-39 >> Interview 35 >> Her friends are supportive and watch out for mania, including over spending, and so will ask questions.

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 17 >> Saw psychiatrists in London after dissatisfaction with local psychiatrists, who ruled out schizophrenia and manic-depression.

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 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 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> Was well informed about lithium side effects, and was willing to take lithium to avoid depression again even though she is against long-term medicatio

Effective treatments include lithium (400mg/day), day care centre activities (e.g. creative activities), distracting herself from depression, counselling, diet changes and Internet research.