People with depression 'should be given a range of therapies'

1st July 2009

Individuals that experience depression can benefit from a number of strategies to combat the condition, it has been claimed.

A spokesperson for the charity Mind said that while many patients are only given anti-depressants, it is important to offer a variety of other solutions.

She commented: "Try using a combination of approaches, including making changes to your lifestyle and relieving areas of pressure in your life, until you find the approach that's right for you."

The prescription of anti-depressants is higher than ever, the source added, with 36 million people allocated the drug in 2008.

Her comments follow a recent media case in which Cheltenham Borough Council lost a claim against former managing director Christine Laird after it alleged she had hidden a history of depression in her job application.

According to the Mental Health Foundation website, in a typical year one-quarter of the population will experience some form of mental health condition.