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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> Had a long wait to see a psychiatrist while suicidal, and so the psychiatrist's concern about his immediate wellbeing seemed too little, too late.

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 22 >> Her GP knew he did not have the skills to manage her and referred her to a psychiatric team. They understood and could help.

Is now managed by a skilled team in the NHS, which includes long-term therapy. Therapy is addressing her distorted thinking patterns and difficult past. She now understands she can move beyond depression.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 65+ >> Interview 01 >> Although he denied being depressed, he was referred to a psychiatrist who understood how he felt, which was a great relief to him.

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 19 >> Advises those who are not responding to medication to ask for a different medication or for referral to a psychiatrist.

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 29 and under >> Interview 02 >> The NHS offers no sure path for getting a referral to a talking therapist, and it's easy to fall through the gaps, especially if your income is low.

Effective approaches include medication (currently Efexor 75 mg/day), hypnotherapy and counselling. Was finding it difficult to find therapy in the NHS.