Profiles

Here, you can find any of the interviews on this site.



Interview 03

He had sympathetic doctors who took the time to listen. With medication, early retirement, his religious convictions, and the gradual resolution of life stressors, his depression lifted.

  • Background

    A retired married man whose depression came about in 1995 after a whole range of life stressors (e.g. increased workloads, loss, increased family demands). It took 4 years to overcome...

  • Age at interview 68
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 02

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

  • Background

    A graduate of an elite University. Believes a chemical imbalance – as well as learned behaviours – lies behind her depression.

  • Age at interview 27
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 01

    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.

  • Background

    A former brewer, feels he was probably depressed even as a child. He has had a number of bouts of depression and currently has cancer.

  • Age at interview 75
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 39

    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.

  • Background

    Lives with her husband and 6 year old son in a village. Was diagnosed with severe depression after the birth of her son, and had another episode subsequently.

  • Age at interview 43
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 38

    Effective approaches have included counselling from his GP, partner support, doing a 'Landmark' course, swimming, and finding an authentic and creative expression for himself through his work.

  • Background

    Is a black gay artist, living with his partner. A difficult family life, he thought about suicide at the age of 14 and again when he had depression at 32.

  • Age at interview 45
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 37

    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.

  • Background

    Was adopted from the US, grew up in London, currently a single teacher living with her dog. Diagnosed with depression in 1993, and has attempted suicide.

  • Age at interview 33
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 36

    Useful approaches include medication, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, therapy, hospitalisation, self-help groups. Currently takes Lithium (600mg/day) and citalopram (Cipramil) 20mg/day.

  • Background

    Suffered depression and attempted suicide after leaving university and starting work. He was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 1989. Currently self-employed as a teacher. Has had a number of bouts...

  • Age at interview 37
  • Sex/Gender Male
  • Interview 35

    Multiple severe bouts requiring hospitalisation at times. Most helpful approaches include medication (currently depacote 1000mg/day, Efexor 75mg/day), fish oils, talking therapies, social support and cranio-sacral massage.

  • Background

    Carrie Thomas is a Media Trainer living in London. There is a history of mental illness in her family. Her bipolar disorder began while studying at Oxford University.

  • Age at interview 39
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 34

    Has had 3 bouts of depression since 1998 (including a suicide attempt). Main helpful approaches include therapy, Efexor (75mg/day), alternative therapies and writing in a diary.

  • Background

    British/Half Italian health professional, has felt like an outsider from an early age. She was bullied at school and also had a termination at the age of 16. (Played by...

  • Age at interview 39
  • Sex/Gender Female
  • Interview 33

    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.

  • Background

    Is from an Asian background and was born outside of the UK. Felt unsafe at school, and has found it difficult to deal with family issues.

  • Age at interview 39
  • Sex/Gender Male