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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 33 >> Severe depression is more serious than physical illness because the mind is ill, and because depression can be invisible, it is hard for people to sup

Has not used medication and is not happy with his GP. Nevertheless, he has accessed talking therapies which have helped somewhat. He also moved away from his family.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 36 >> When he was suicidal, he looked at everything in terms of suicide, and he felt angry he was not allowed to die, but he has never been that low again.

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 40-54 >> Interview 23 >> When his depression is severe, he feels physically different, including a pressure around his brain, and he feels confused.

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 30-39 >> Interview 04 >> Urges very depressed people to get medical help without delay because they are not in a position to help themselves. (Played by an actor)

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

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 65+ >> Interview 01 >> Argues that very depressed people need to accept help from doctors, including medication, at least initially.

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 30-39 >> Interview 05 >> He needed a lot of help when very depressed, and says that friends and family can assist the depressed with practical help. (Played by an actor)

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 19 >> While severely depressed, her doctor told her to get out of the house and exercise, and so she managed to get to her local church on the bus.

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).