Peter first experienced depression when he was a teenager but he did not seek help from a GP until he was at university. He was initially prescribed fluoxetine which wasn't entirely effective. After trying this for a while he self-referred to see a family friend who is a psychiatrist who recommended a change to venlafaxine, which he finds works well to alleviate depressive symptoms.

Lucy first experienced depression as a young teenager but was not prescribed antidepressant medication until she was older. She continued to feel depressed intermittently but muddled through' for a while. During her first year at university things began to feel intolerable and she sought help from the GP. She was prescribed Prozac (fluoxetine) initially but didn't find it effective. She now takes mirtazapine, which she says works well.

Colette first experienced depression as a teenager but didn't seek help from her GP until she left home at age 19. Her GP prescribed fluoxetine. She took this for a short while, but did not find it helpful. She has tried a several antidepressants at different times but has decided not to take them again and prefers to use other strategies like exercise and diet to improve her mood.

Tim was diagnosed with depression two years ago. He had been feeling overwhelmed about work, and one day things reached a point where he felt he couldn't function any more. He was offered CBT and decided to try that before thinking about taking antidepressants. Although it was of some help, he went back to see the GP and was prescribed sertraline. Tim later had psychotherapy, which helped him gain a sense of self awareness and understanding. He recently stopped taking antidepressants.

Victoria first experienced depression when she was a teenager. At university she experienced some difficulties coping, and her GP prescribed citalopram. She only took it for a few months, but has since experienced another episode of depression and now takes citalopram regularly. Victoria was diagnosed with Crohn's disease in her early 20's and the symptoms and restrictions that it places on her life have contributed to her feelings. She also takes regular medicines for the Crohn's disease.

Hannah experienced a severe episode of depression a few years ago. Her GP prescribed antidepressants but she experienced severe nausea during the time she took them, and they did not seem to help improve her mood. After some distressing events she was referred to the community mental health team and admitted to hospital. Eventually after trying different antidepressants and doses she decided to discontinue the treatment they offered her.

Lucy experienced depression for the first time when she was 15. Although she got help and was prescribed Prozac (fluoxetine) she found it was difficult as an adolescent to be able to have a say in her treatment. When she began university she experienced another episode of depression, and this time found that the university doctors were far more open and understanding. She was prescribed citalopram which worked much better for her, and continues to take it on an ongoing basis.

Emily broke down at work one day, which she found enormously embarrassing. She went straight to her GP and was diagnosed with depression. She was prescribed citalopram, and also had counselling through a scheme at work. She took citalopram for about a year. Since that time, she feels her life has changed for the better.