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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 29 and under >> Interview 02 >> At a similar time her parents broke up, her best friend left, she moved to middle-school, and she was hurt by negative reactions in class to her often

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 26 >> She links her current day anxiety to the unpredictability of her parents arguments and father's violent temper, and her resulting 'fear of what might

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 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 40-54 >> Interview 20 >> Says that parents can be part of the problem in depression, and just as they can be abusive, they can be too supportive in insulating you from the rea

Her recovery initially came about after hospitalisation including Electroconvulsive Therapy. With supportive long-term therapy and medication (Prozac and lithium) she has been in recovery ever since 1989.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 08 >> Had a difficult childhood and family life, and lost her grandparents in 1996, which was very traumatic because she depended so much on her grandmother

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 65+ >> Interview 03 >> Just before he became depressed he lost family members, there were workplace changes, and members of his family moved back home.

He had sympathetic doctors who took the time to listen. With medication, early retirement, his religious convictions, and the gradual resolution of life stressors, his depression lifted.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 17 >> His GP has demonstrated she understands how he feels, even though his dad does not.

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 09 >> A social worker visited his home and helped his father to better understand depression, as well as helping him to talk issues through.

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 29 and under >> Interview 18 >> Describes a suicide attempt where the surgeon was keen for her to tell at least one parent about the true reason she was in hospital.

Became depressed while looking after a friend with depression. Believes Seroxat contributed to her suicide attempt. With counselling and new medication (venlafaxine 150mg/day) she is getting better.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 38 >> Did the Landmark course, which allowed him to take responsibility for his own role in the poor relationship he had with his father.

Effective approaches have included counselling from his GP, partner support, doing a 'Landmark' course, swimming, and finding an authentic and creative expression for himself through his work.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 26 >> Says that she uses a book by Dorothy Rowe, and she really relates to aspects of the book, while other parts are irrelevant.

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 30-39 >> Interview 10 >> Counselling revealed that his family did not talk about emotions easily, so he talked to his friends rather than his parents about his depression.

Helpful approaches include counselling (which has helped him to address past abuse as well as being gay) removed himself from a bullying workplace; settling debts, swimming and moving away from London.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> Her mother was ashamed of depression, but this health professional strives to be more accepting of depression.

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 37 >> She had relationships with other women, and her mother reacted badly to one of her partners who she took to a family gathering, which was hurtful.

Is currently feeling well after a recent rough patch. Helpful approaches have included talking therapies, Prozac (20mg/day), living in a sunnier climate, and exercise.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 65+ >> Interview 13 >> Feels better at the age of 69 than he has ever felt before, and recalls life was grey from childhood, yet he was actively interested in being healthy

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 65+ >> Interview 13 >> He was taught as a child that pleasure was wrong, but later found out that life is about pleasure and happiness.

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).