Q. If you could only choose one thing that could make the biggest difference to people affected by depression, what would it be?
A. Medication that works, something that is 100% full proof.
But that said if we can’t have a cure then it is about establishing a community for people [with depression] so that they don’t feel alone. The AA model is an aspiration – people being open about their DA group and what it provides. The group model is a way of providing networks and communities for people that combats the isolation and loneliness. It could also include a sponsor that you could call at any time so that you don’t ever feel alone.
Q. If you were sat next to Louis Appleby at dinner…..what would you be talking about? A. I would be asking him where would someone go if they were feeling suicidal? Where could they go to get help? In this country there are only places to go and stay over if you can afford it. There needs to be places that people who are feeling suicidal can walk into, stay over night or a few nights. These places ought to be safe, provide information explaining about therapy and what the illness is. Sadly what tends to happen if you are staying in a clinic you tend to get given the treatment that you came in on, and once you are improved, sent home.
Q. You’ve studied psychology and neuroscience – would you like to study more?
A. No, I have the qualifications that now allow me to do something I enjoy, which is talking to business leaders about better communication with colleagues and clients. I enjoy this practical side and don’t feel the need to study, and definitely not to become a psychiatrist or do a PhD!
Q. If you had your time again would you choose a different path?
A. Only that I would have liked to have stuck with straight and weighty documentaries. The Ruby Wax Meets…series made me famous and was good TV but it didn’t really give me a good start for serious documentaries.
Q. What would you like to see Obama achieve in his first 100 days in office?
A. On a practical point I would like to see him organise the departments so that people stay in their jobs and he has the team in place. But apart from that, look what he was landed with? I can’t imagine what I could say to him!
Depression Alliance depends on donations to continue its vital work. To show your support please CLICK HERE to Donate using our secure donation page.