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• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 24 >> Did a course on counselling, and although sometimes painful, it helped self-development and in meeting people.

Helpful approaches have included medication, self-help books and tapes, and personal development courses. Received long term therapy on the NHS. Recently discovered she had dyslexia, explaining many of her difficulties.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 40-54 >> Interview 22 >> Was surprised when her therapist told her she needed to be more stable on medication and have more social support before she was ready for therapy. (P

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 40-54 >> Interview 22 >> Her therapist told her she needed to be more stable on medication and have more social support around her before she was ready for therapy. (Played by

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 30-39 >> Interview 17 >> Describes his loneliness and isolation, and feeling cut off from people, especially with no relatives living in his area.

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 >> Was initially afraid to do many social things, but realised that he needed to take up life's opportunities, and learn to socialise more. (Played by an

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 55-64 >> Interview 24 >> Did a course on counselling, and although sometimes painful, it helped self-development and in meeting people.

Helpful approaches have included medication, self-help books and tapes, and personal development courses. Received long term therapy on the NHS. Recently discovered she had dyslexia, explaining many of her difficulties.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 55-64 >> Interview 31 >> Depression can open up opportunities, and you can do much to change your life, including creative and social activities.

Avoided medication but found help at a mental health 'drop in' centre. He became better informed and used creativity (e.g. computer art and music) to help his recovery.

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 09 >> Although intelligent and hoping to enjoy University, he couldn't organise himself there or develop a good social life.

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 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> When she comes out of depression, she socialises again and is able to pick up her interests, including horses.

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

• Mental health >> Depression >> Age 30-39 >> Interview 09 >> Was pleased to discover that members of his support group were sensitive, intelligent and sympathetic to his rejection of the values of consumerist so

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 30-39 >> Interview 09 >> His mother died, he was bullied, was neglected, isolated, lacked social skills, and he was fixated on a woman, hoping he could be rescued.

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 30-39 >> Interview 09 >> Although intelligent and hoping to enjoy University, he couldn't organise himself there or develop a good social life.

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 55-64 >> Interview 12 >> Becoming secretary for a new local support group helped her to feel useful, link with professionals and help others.

Helpful approaches include support from patients in hospital, counselling and medication (Lofepramine). She understands depression as a passing phase and feels she is well past the worst of it.

• 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 40-54 >> Interview 06 >> Is much more confident to organise her family life so she can have time for herself to walk in the hills, socialise or take a weekend off from motherl

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 09 >> Was initially afraid to do many social things, but realised that he needed to take up life's opportunities, and learn to socialise more. (Played by an

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 55-64 >> Interview 21 >> When she comes out of depression, she socialises again and is able to pick up her interests, including horses.

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