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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 19 >> Became aware that she was having a 'breakdown' on the bus on the way home from work, so called her husband to come and pick her up.

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 40-54 >> Interview 32 >> Pleads for more talking therapies to be provided to help people sort out their problems.

Feels her GP is excellent, but decided against medication. She has gained confidence over the years, and has benefited from NHS counselling, but is having trouble accessing further counselling.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 04 >> For him overcoming depression involved the realisation he was not as different as he thought, and he could develop relationships. (Played by an actor)

Has responded very well to Prozac (20mg/day) and cognitive behavioural therapy.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 20 >> Says that once you are well and can judge, you need to view your sessions with your potential therapist as a relationship, which needs to have trust,

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 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 40-54 >> Interview 23 >> Christmas time brings the absence of family into sharper focus for him; he feels he has somehow failed because he has no partner.

While avoiding medication, helpful approaches have included counselling, self-help books and alternative therapies (e.g. re-birthing). These approaches have helped reduce negative thinking and anxiety.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 39 >> Her husband missed out on the support she got. Having a break and getting counselling through Relate helped.

Helpful approaches have included hospitalisation, venlafaxine (75mg X 3/day), Fish Oils, individual Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and relationship counselling, support from local women, joining Depression Alliance, and a gradual return to work to build confidence.

• 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 40-54 >> Interview 07 >> Feels under pressure to get better because he feels a burden on his partner and friends, yet feels his partner was very supportive.

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 40-54 >> Interview 22 >> Therapy can lead to stepping out of the 'prison of depression' into the unknown, which can be frightening but rewarding.

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.